The Aim Game

Next to the grip, alignment (or aim) is the most important aspect of the set-up. I can think of few other ways to quickly get better than learning and implementing proper alignment. So many golfers step up to their ball, peer down the fairway briefly, and wail away without much regard for where they are aiming. Taking the moment to properly align oneself over every shot is a great habit to get into.

I was taught to use the 'train track method of alignment', and I suggest that all my students use it as well. The theory behind this is that the foot line represents the left train track and the target line represents the right train track. The imaginary tracks extend to the target, parallel to each other and never intersect.

The first step is to determine the 'target line'. This is best achieved by standing at least ten feet behind the ball, and holding up the golf club so that both the ball and the target can be seen along the line of the shaft. To expand on this; take whatever club is in your hands, stand behind your ball ten feet or so, raise the club up so that the clubhead is in the air (higher than the grip), look through your dominant eye and line up the ball and the target along the shaft of the club (note: if you're not sure which eye is dominant, hold up your hand so that it blocks an object in the distance - then close one eye. Did your hand appear to move? If so, the other eye is your dominant eye). Now, you've established your target line.

The next step is to pick an intermediate target very close to your ball (a bark chip, a divot, etc) along the target line. The intermediate target should be a foot or two in front of your ball. Now, you don't really have to worry about your ultimate target, because you know that the intermediate target is along the same line.

Next, line up your clubface so that it is perpendicular to the intermediate target you've chosen. If there were a quarter sized magnet on your clubface with a straight arrow extending away from it, then the arrow would be pointing straight at the intermediate target.

The next step is to set your feet so that your 'foot line' is parallel to your 'target line' (the foot line is determined by setting a club on the ground so that the shaft touches the front of your feet - you can also just hold the club in front of you so that the shaft is along the outside of your feet). Look at where the club is pointing as you determine your foot line. It should be pointing just left of your intended target. Again, the foot line represents the left train track and the target line represents the right train track; the two imaginary lines extending toward the target and never intersecting.

As you set up to the ball, assure that not only the foot line is parallel to the target line, but also the shoulder line, knee line, and eye line are all parallel. The back of the left hand should face the target, as should the palm of the right hand. Notice the intermediate target in the peripheral vision and keep in mind that it is along your intended target line.

Using this method for aiming allows the golfer to swing along their body line without deviation and instills a tremendous amount of confidence. As the golfer hits the ball and releases their club down the target line, the intermediate target again becomes a useful tool, as it can be a point of reference for the 'release' (allowing the clubhead to release toward the intermediate target and along the target line).

The 'train track method of alignment' can, and should be, used on every shot from putting to driving.