Lining up on the target

To get my line on a shot, I approach the ball from behind. I place my left hand on the club first in order to strengthen the left side by this first impression. Moving into address position at the ball, my first aim is on a point some 15 feet or so to the left of where I want to hit the shot. Then I modify this position, working from left to right until I am aligned right on my target. I want to emphasize that a golfer must always work from left to right in lining himself up. In my own case, if I have moved too far to the right, past my line, rather than try to move back to the correct line—which would break up my left side—I start again and work afresh from left to right. If you're aiming slightly to the left of the target and hit the ball slightly to the right, at least you're swinging from the inside out, and this is the most powerful way to hit a controlled shot.

If there is any one particular tip I pass on to amateurs I am partnered with, it is this method of getting the line. It sets up the left side through the left arm—which is the fundament of the related action of the swing, the key to making more perfect and uniform swings.

FRANK STRANAHAN, Toledo

PHOTO

ILLUSTRATION

Approach ball from behind

ILLUSTRATION

Aim slightly to left of target

NEXT WEEK: Art Smith on counting for rhythm