Golf Tips: Shoulder Alignment

The feet aren't the only important body parts which need to be aligned properly for a golf shot to travel in the right direction.  In fact, it is possible to have perfect alignment with the feet, yet have other parts of your body so misaligned that shots can go severely off line, either direction.  A very important section of the body which needs to be aligned properly is the shoulders.  Not enough attention is given to the shoulders, and even if it was, players may not have a drill or technique for checking alignment. When aligning the feet during practice or checking alignment on the course, golfers often put a club down on the ground and touch it with the tips of their toes.  The direction the club is pointing is their foot alignment.  This is a great and simple way of checking the alignment of the feet.  Below are two different and simple ways to check shoulder alignment. Club Across Shoulders Take your stance and get aligned on target.  Now take your golf club and put it across the top of your chest and front of your shoulders, as seen in the image to the right.  Is the club pointing down the target line?  Are you open or closed in your shoulders? Open Arms (No this isn't  a Journey song).  Take your stance and get aligned on target.  Open your arms wide and extend your hands at shoulder level making a "T" out of your body like a cheerleader.  Is your forward hand pointing at the target? Conclusion Once you know if your shoulders are properly aligned, you can make the proper adjustments if needed.  You might find it odd at first if you had to adjust, but eventually you may find your accuracy increasing.