Straight as an Arrow

Everyone is trying to hit the ball straight on every shot. This initial take-a-way move will help you achieve consistent “straight as an arrow” shots. No matter what type of swing you have developed over the years, this initial backswing move will help you hit the ball straight for all shots, from wedges to drivers.

A few things to understand are target and address lines, and the toe and heel parts of the club. The target line is the imaginary line from the target back to the ball, and the address line runs parallel to the target line. It is important to know these lines extend through the ball and beyond to help the player set up correctly. The club head has parts like a foot, a toe and a heel. The toe of the club is the outside portion of the club head and the heel is the inside portion of the club head.

This is a very simple move with great results. Make sure you set up correctly with your club face aiming down the target line and you body from shoulders, hips, knees and feet are straight with your address line. Simply, set your entire body parallel to the target line.

Start your swing with your hands, arms and shoulders, and swing the club straight back with the toe of the club face pointing straight up. Try to keep your left arm straight, tension free to waist height with your club face in a toe up position. That’s right TOE UP. This is a critical portion of the take-a-way that can insure the player will have a high probability of returning the club face straight and square to the ball at impact. Also, swinging the club straight back on the initial take-a-way will insure a straight path into the ball on the down swing. This move can work for any player no matter how short or long the player swings the club.

Regardless of what type of player you are, this simple but very powerful move will improve your game. Try it and you will be hitting the ball STRAIGHT-AS-AN-ARROW!

In the photos, I turned a yard stick and a piece of foam into an oversized golf club to demonstrate the proper technique. The face on photo (1.) shows how the hands, arms and shoulders swing the club to waist height. The left arm is straight and fully extended with the toe of the club face straight up.

The photo (2.) from behind shows the correct position of the club, club face and left arm are straight with the address line. Make sure the toe of the club face is straight up as shown in this photo. This initial take-a-way move will be one of the greatest tips that really work for every shot.

John Nelson is a South Florida PGA Hall of Fame Class A Teaching Professional and Director of Instruction at the Golf Academy located at The County Club of Coral Springs, Coral Springs, Fl. 954-752-4500 x 204, email: jnelson@ccofcs.com, Web page: www.ccofcs.com.