Alignment Basics
Every shot, every time. Part of the pre-shot routine.
Grip
Check your grip AFTER getting aligned, not before.
Stance
Feet, hips, and shoulders parallel to the target line (like standing on railway tracks — feet on one rail, target line on the other).
Ball position
Varies by club (see individual club tips). Alignment is independent of ball position.
Posture
Stand behind the ball first. Pick a target line. Find an intermediate target 2–3 feet in front of the ball on that line. Align the clubface to the intermediate target, then set your feet.
Swing thought
I am not aiming at the target — I am parallel to the target line. The target is to my left (right-hander), not directly in front of me.
Contact goal
N/A — alignment is a setup fundamental. Good alignment allows the swing to work correctly.
Common mistake
Aiming your feet at the target instead of parallel to the target line. This is one of the most widespread beginner errors and causes every type of miss.
One-minute drill
Lay two clubs on the range — one on the ball-to-target line, one parallel on the inside for your feet. Hit 10 shots feeling correct alignment.
This is a beginner refresher, not professional instruction — see a PGA pro for swing changes.