Feet alignment at address?

[Abea]

This is my second year golfing, I'm in my late 50's, I have taken several lessons but basicly a hacker, I have moments of good hitting then it all goes away.

 

I have enjoyed this forum and appreciate any help any of you may provide.

 

Many times I have been told that my ball direction went exactly the way my feet were aligned. Its not that I don't bother to align them its that for some reason what looks lined up to me is not, it can be either right or left. If I take the club and place it on the ground in front of my feet that helps but rather not do it when playing (not sure if it is even legal to do so). I play left handed and am right eye dominant.

 

Again any suggestions or thoughts would be appreciated.

 

Thanks!

Abe

[juststeve]

I do not think the alignment of the feet is terribly important. What I do think is important is that the hips and shoulders be aligned parallel to the intended line of the shot. This can be achieved from a square foot alignment, one that is open, or one that is closed. Indeed, at your age a slightly closed stance in the feet might make it easier for you to get a full turn away from the ball. If you chose to move your back foot away from the line to close your stance make sure the hips and shoulders don't close with them.

 

Steve

[taylormadefan]

I do not think the alignment of the feet is terribly important. What I do think is important is that the hips and shoulders be aligned parallel to the intended line of the shot. This can be achieved from a square foot alignment, one that is open, or one that is closed. Indeed, at your age a slightly closed stance in the feet might make it easier for you to get a full turn away from the ball. If you chose to move your back foot away from the line to close your stance make sure the hips and shoulders don't close with them.

 

Steve

 

Great advice. I think 95% of people who hit a huge slice do so because they have a wide open stance. It makes logical sense, ball goes right, I'll aim way left, but it's a vicious cycle. I think more slicers would hit a managable fade if they just closed thier stance a hair.

 

Your feet line is a pretty individual thing. As mentioned there are a lot of pros (Fred Couples comes to mind) who have a fairly open foot line, but keep their body (hips, shoulders) fairly square to the target line. Best thing to do is to practice at the range with some clubs at your feet, one on your footline in line with the target so you can keep checking where you're looking, and keep tabs on your hips and shoulders as well. The worst golf I've ever played in my life came from having a perfectly square foot line, but wide open shoulders. :D

[Abea]

Thanks for the advise! I don't find it any easier to align the hips or shoulders over the feet. I will practice at the driving range and will get a lesson as soon as I can make arrangements, hopefully today or Monday.

 

My problem at the moment isn't a slice or hook, it is direction, the ball goes straight, just not in the direction I was intending.