| Golf Tips: Improper Shoulder Alignment Can Cause Bad Shots |
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By Jon Ebert
Golf Pro
Question: I have trouble hitting the ball straight. I know almost everyone has this problem, but most people at least either have a consistent hook or slice. I have both, and I never know which one I'm going to get. I checked my alignment by putting a club on the ground across my toes and my feet were parallel to the target line. I try to swing inside out and roll my hands at impact, but the ball never goes where it's supposed to go. Can you give me some idea of what I can do to hit the ball straight? Thanks. -- T.L., Naples, Florida. Answer: It sounds to me like you didn't finish the job when you checked your alignment. Your feet are parallel to the target line and that's good. Then start working your way up. Your knees should both be slightly flexed, your hips should be square to the target, and most importantly, your shoulders should also be square. Here's what usually happens. Your feet start out in a pretty good position. Your knees are flexed, but the left knee is a little straighter than the right. Your left hip points about ten yards left of the target and your shoulders are out in left field. Then you swing along the line where your shoulders point, which is well left of the target. If your hands roll over at impact, the ball goes way left. If your hands don't roll over, the clubface stays in an open position and you cut across the ball, producing a slice to the right of the target. If the ball ever does go straight, it's an accident. If you're in the proper address position, both shoulders will be square to your target line. Your left shoulder will be slightly higher than your right, your left arm will be straight, but not tense, and your right arm will be totally relaxed, with your right elbow close to your hip. From this position, you can make a good shoulder turn and the club should naturally follow an inside-out path. If your hands stay relaxed, the club will roll over or "release" at the proper moment, and the ball should go straight. Question: I have a question regarding Rule 13-2, which involves improving your lie, the area of your intended stance or swing, or your line of play. Suppose your ball is five feet off the green and the player elects to putt. However, there is a twig or perhaps some loose grass clippings along his intended path, but not on the green. Can he remove these impediments without penalty? -- J.G., Internet. Answer: You've got the wrong Rule. Rule 23-1 allows a player to remove these loose impediments whether they're on the putting green or not, except when both the loose impediment and the ball lie in or touch the same hazard. You should also be aware that sand and loose soil are considered to be loose impediments only on the putting green and not elsewhere. Therefore if you're five feet off the green and there's a small mound of sand in front of your ball, you cannot remove it. If the mound of sand is in your line but on the green, you can remove it. (Golf professional Jon Ebert writes for the Naples Daily News in Florida.)
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