Sept 10 /07
Misalignment Misconception Causes Major Misses
I've recently had a number of inquiries about why and how aligning the feet towards the target will result in significant misalignment. There seems to be a major misconception out there about alignment. Possibly, this is why so many golfers misalign. Please send the link to this newsletter to your golfing friends to ensure they are aware. Cut and paste the address from your browser's window or click on the "Tell a Friend" green icon to the left.
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The argument goes like this. When addressing the ball, the toes are about 2 feet from the target line. If the toes are aligned so that they form a line towards the target (dark blue diagonal line in the photo), then the golfer will be aimed 2 feet right of the target.
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When one visualizes two parallel lines running off into the distance, one is overlaying a 2 Dimensional image (parallel lines) onto a 3 Dimensional image (real space).
Look at the railway lines in the photo to the left. Do they appear parallel? NO! 200 yards away, the tracks are still the same distance apart, but, in the image, they appear much closer together because they are far away. When far away, objects and distances look smaller.
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If one were to stand directly behind the golfer at a point halfway between the feet and the ball (like being in the middle of the railway tracks), then the lines would converge together, just like the railway tracks.The left line would be angled to the right and the right line would be angled to the left. See photo to the left.
That's why it's so important to visualize the target line from a point directly behind the ball, so that you, the ball and the target are on one straight line. In essence, you want to stand directly on one of the tracks. One wants to swing the club along that line so that the ball will travel along it.
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If one were to stand directly behind the golfer ON the target line (solid blue line in the photo to the left), it would be like standing on one of the railway tracks. If the feet were parallel to that target line, then their line would converge towards the target line (light blue line).
If one aligns the feet so that they point towards the target, then that line would converge as well, but onto a point well right of the target (red line). This red line would be the left railway track. The real target line in this case would be the right red line in the diagram.
Note that in the photo, the points upon which the two pairs of lines converge are not very far apart. However, because this is some 200+ yards from the golfer, they are actually some 20 to 30 yards apart (remember objects at a distance appear much smaller).
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I hope this clarifies for you why the feet should appear to be aimed well left of the target (green line in the above photo). When aiming, the key is to have a clubface pointing at your target along the target line. The feet and body are then parallel to that target line.
To review the full process of alignment, see my previous newsletter. CLICK HERE.
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Putting Tips
Of course, alignment is critically important with putting as well. Using the Pro V1 A.I.M. idea can really help. A Laser Putting Alignment System. can also greatly assist teaching you whether you are actually aimed where you think you are.
Once you are good at aligning your putter properly, then you need to be able to read the green to determine what line to roll the ball along. I advocate using the Plumb Bob method to assist. What also helps is to understand some basic principles about breaking putts:
1. On downhill putts, I aim at a spot short of the hole. How far short depends on how long the putt is and how fast the green. It's the way I find enables me to get the feel for the distance correct. Experiment with different length putts to get a feel of how far short you should aim on your greens.
2. Likewise, on uphill puts, I aim at a spot long of the hole. I've already trained myself to know how hard to hit the ball different distances. I just choose to hit it a longer distance. This compensates for the uphill slope. Try it out yourself next time you play. Take the time after the hole is finished to stroke a few practice putts. Before you know it, you'll have a good feel for how far past the hole you want to aim.
3. Uphill putts break less; downhill putts break more.
4. Fast greens yield more break; slow greens yield less break.
5. To maximize the number of putts that drop, the speed should be such that it the ball does miss the hole, it would end up about 17 inches past the hole (Dave Pelz's Putting Bible )
6. Hitting putts with greater speed reduces the amount of break (that's why putts break less on slower greens; the ball is moving faster). So, you should putt your short putts firmly to minimize break (17 inches past hole is best).
Take a look at The BreakMaster for
measuring green break.
Trying to find answers on my website? Here's how.
1. Go to my Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page. There's a link to it on my pages from the left hand menu near the top of the page, just below the Search icon. It's called "FAQs." You then click on the graphic icon and you'll be taken to my database page. For your convenience, here it is:
FAQ
I've answered hundreds of questions over the past 6 years and have created a fairly large database. You can search it out. If you can't find the answer you're looking for, submit a question and I'll answer it.
2. On all of my web pages, there is a search feature in the top left section, right underneath my LOGO. Just place your search keywords in the search box, select "This Site" below it, and then press "Search." What will come up is a Google search of the pages on my site with relevance. You can also search the entire internet by selecting "Web" instead.
Go to my main page now: Home or just check the top left menu of this page.
3. Also, directly under the Google Search area, you'll find a pop down menu called "Your Topic." Select the topic of interest and press "Go."
I would suggest you bookmark my main page and/or your specific areas of interest so that you can find them easily in the future. On each page at the very top, there is a link you can click on:
"Click here to add this page to your favourites"
Hope you find all you're looking for.
You can learn more from NEW Titleist Pro-V1 by clicking HERE.
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Hope I provided some useful ways for you to
become better prepared for you best golf season
ever.
Ken Tannar
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