Aiming Left

Since my lesson in the early fall with John McNeely I have been determined to not fall into my pattern of aiming right. I often start to move into my set up position in what feels to me like a very open alinement ala Freddie Couples or Lee Trevino. I am sure it is not so open and by the time I make my adjustments and take my final stance I think I am set up only slightly open to my target line.

The results have been encouraging. I hit fewer hooks and I can feel less save/flip through motion at impact.

I feel encouraged to turn my body through and it seems like I at least start my rotation earlier, and feeling like I am aimed to the left have less tendency to use my hands.

My swing feels best when I do not move quickly at the start of the back swing which causes me to sway off the ball and I often turn my head under which sets the club face. When the club starts away in rhythm my head stays steady and my arms fold sooner helping set the club. And when I stay over the ball on my back swing I do not use the precious time on the downswing to "move back" in position to strike the ball. so there is more time for rotation.

I have been able to play shots that fade for the first time in years even though my playing partners tell me that most of my shots move slightly from right to left!

I played a round last week at Pine Needles in Pinehurst where I felt comfortable and my ball striking was very good, especially with my longer club. By swinging more within my feet / foundation....by having less lateral movement I was able to start the ball on line all day. and I was hitting my shots solid. the only green I missed were long. And even the swing were the club dropped behind me on the downswing and the ball started right were not far off line because I am set up left / open.