If your ball is often anything but straight, then this section is for you. We’ll address:
Culprit No. 1 Poor Alignment
Culprit No. 2 Off-Plane (either in the back or downswing)
Culprit No. 3 Fast Tempo with a Splash of Tension
Let’s examine Culprit No. 1:
Culprit No.1 POOR ALIGNMENT » OPEN STANCE
This means you are aiming too far left with your feet, hips, and shoulders in relation to the target line. Your body lines and target line are not parallel. They need to match.
AN OPEN STANCE may result in an open clubface at impact. This means that because you set up too OPEN at address, you will most likely not release in time and block your shot to the right. Another possible scenario: You’ll flip your hands in an effort to square the clubface, resulting in a possible duck hook or slice.
POOR ALIGNMENT » CLOSED STANCE
This means you are aiming too far RIGHT with your feet, hips, and shoulders in relation to the target line. Your body lines and target line are not parallel. They need to match.
AN CLOSED STANCE may result in a closed clubface at impact. This means that because you set up too CLOSED at address, your downswing path may travel above the plane {steep}. Another possible scenario: Your downswing path may travel across your body, resulting in a possible duck hook.
SOLUTION: Lay shafts down at the range. One at your feet and one on your target line. Make sure these shafts are parallel to each other, then simply set yourself to match the shafts!