Alignment

Question
Paul,   Have been using the HSS for serveral years and have developed an alignment problem. Plus pulling shots left.  Is there a good practice for me to improve the alignment.  Could this also be causing the left pull?   Thanks

Answer
Bob,

Proper alignment is definitely important.  Your perceived alignment problem could very well be causing or contributing to your pulling problem.

I would lay clubs or alignment sticks down while you are practicing to check your alignment.  Put a club down a couple of feet in front of your ball to represent your target line.  Then put an additional club down along your toes, taking care to make sure it is exactly parallel to your target line club.

When you stand to the ball, be sure your feet, hips and shoulders are parallel to these clubs.  You can just look down the front of your body and tell.

Ball position is also important.  Since you are pulling your shots, you should make sure you are not playing the ball too far forward.  For most players, the driver should be played from a ball position even with your left heel (if you are right handed) and short irons from the middle.  All other clubs are somewhere in between.

Keep in mind that a pulled shot means you are swinging left when the clubhead makes contact with the ball, but more importantly, your clubface is also shut at that moment.  Take care to avoid over rotating your arms and hands during the downswing/through swing.

I think I've given you enough to work on for now.  I'm sure you will be able to fix your pulling problem by being precise about your alignment and ball position.

Best wishes,

Paul Dolman
PGA Golf Professional