MY GOLF BLUEPRINT

Alignment problems: checks and practice

A golfer swinging a driver from the tee. — Photo: Markus Spiske / Pexels

Aim errors can look like swing faults. Check the clubface, feet and intended target separately before changing the movement.

Possible causes

Misread target line
Compensating aim from an old miss
Different setup routines between clubs

Simple checks

Stand behind the ball and identify the real target.
Place the face before setting the feet.
Use safe ground references during practice only.

A practice drill

Rebuild alignment before ten short shots. Remove the reference for five more and compare start direction. Repeat with the driver if the pattern differs.

Avoid this trap

Do not assume the feet must point at the flag itself. Body and club lines are adjacent, and side-on perspective can be misleading.

The checks narrow the possibilities; they do not confirm a diagnosis. Keep a record of several shots and ask a qualified coach to connect the pattern to your swing.