Aligning up to the ball

Question
I was at the range today, and someone I knew there helped me with alignment. I was aligning TO the target, which actually was right of the target instead of at it and parallel to it. When I started opening up my stance and aiming more left, I felt I was definitely a lot more left but when I put a club down and stepped back, I was aiming right at it. I need help with doing this at the course, however. Should I just use instinct and align at something left of where I want to go? I'm not sure...

Answer
Hi Jeff:

No you should not leave something as important as alignment to chance and instinct.  You need to start your alignment procedure behind the ball.  Stand directly behind the ball, about 10 feet or so, keeping the ball directly between you and the target.  Draw a line with your eyes from the ball to the target and back again.  Do this about 3 times (takes about 5 seconds).  Next, pick out a spot about 2-3 feet in front of the ball directly on/or very close to that line.  There is always something out there.  This becomes your aiming point....this is what you line up your clubface to....first!  It's easy to line up the clubface square to the target if the target is only 3 feet away.  As you take your stance, set the clubface down behind the ball aimed directly at the spot you chose.  Then, AND THIS IS CRITICAL, before you actually take your stance, look at the actual target (like the flagstick).  DO NOT TAKE YOUR EYES OFF THE TARGET AT THAT POINT.  As you are still looking at the target, begin to get your feet apart (baby step) so you feel comfortable.  Once you feel OK, then look back at the ball to get your bearings again, get comfortable and let it rip.  The two biggest things you just learned that you need to master are:  1.  Pick out an intermediate target 2-3 feet in front of the ball directly on the line to the target.  This now becomes your aiming point to line your CLUBFACE up to.  2.  Once you set the club behind the ball and BEFORE actually taking your stance, LOOK AT THE ACTUAL TARGET WITH YOUR EYES.  Then, begin to baby step your feet apart until you are comfortable.  It will amaze you at how much better you line up.  But you have to practice this routine until it becomes you.  Clubface needs to be lined up right at the target, your shoulders, forearms and feet need to be lined up parallel left of the target.  

Eddie Kilthau
PGA Member