Align the Face First, Body Second

Most common is that many player’s work diligently in an attempt to get perfect “square” body alignment of their feet, yet pay little attention to where their club face is actually aiming- which is far more important.

It should also be noted that square feet does not guarantee a straight shot, contrary to popular belief.

The goal of most amateurs should be to first align the club face toward where they want the ball to start, and then secondly position their stance and body in a way that is comfortable and allows them to promote the correct swing path for their desired ball flight. For example, for a right-handed player to hit a nice draw, the player should aim the face just right of the flag, and then align their body slightly more to the right to promote a rightward (in to out) club path. In this example, a “square” set-up would not be beneficial at all. Proper alignment for the shot is something good ball strikers are keenly aware of and work on regularly in practice.

It’s best to find a good instructor who can help you understand your tendencies and find the best set-up for you.