Addressing the address position

Terry Gingell

Are you looking to improve your golf game? If the answer is yes the first thing to understand is that you do not have to completely revamp your golf swing.

Some seemingly minor adjustments can have you hitting the ball more consistently and with more power. An excellent start to improving your golf game is the understanding that you have to do a few things reasonably well. You do not have to do a lot of things perfectly.

The first thing that you have to do well is stand to the ball in such a waythat you can swing well. The address position is so often overlooked yet it goes a long way in determining how you swing. Simply put; stand to the ball badly and you have put yourself in such a position that good golf is difficult.

Your first steps to better golf are as follows:

- Feet shoulder width apart

- Right foot straight out

- Left foot turned towards the target a few degrees

- Line across toes parallel to target line

- Bend at the hips maintaining the natural curvature of the spine

- Look down your nose at the ball, chin away from chest

- Unlock the knees

- Weight evenly distributed in a strong, balanced position

- Hands and arms hang naturally below shoulders

Practice this at home using a mirror and then at the driving range. Simply focus on standing to the ball correctly and swing to the target. Do not try to change your swing.

Terry Gingell is the PGA Director of Instruction at Eagle Valley Golf. For information on upcoming junior golf program and adult group and private lessons, call Terry, 690-7970.