April 22, 2008 -- This week's golf principal is alignment, which is the positioning of the body in relationship to the ball, club and target.

Before hitting a shot, your feet, knees, hips, shoulders, wrists and eyes are what you must set into alignment position. The theory for a straight shot is to have each joint set parallel to the target line. The difference in the physical elements of each player, and the type of shot desired, allow for changes in the joint positions.

After you align the aim of your clubface (see my Sunday, April 13 column for details), the next pre-shot routine requirement is to set the five joint sets into proper alignment. The process to do this in a repetitive manner is to start behind the ball and then create a visual ball to the target line.

Next, walk up to your ball, and square your shoulders to this target line. Make eye contact with the target, and spread your feet so that a line across your toes is parallel to the target line. This is on the left side of the target for right-handed golfers -- and vice-versa.

A golfer needs to adjust his or her stance position so their shoulders remain parallel to the target line. This position is often quite misunderstood, as many golfers think they should aim their shoulder line at the target.

The primary influence of the alignment set during the pre-swing routine is on the direction of the shot. The ability to set your joints in proper alignment for the desired shot, as you make adjustments for your own personal traits, will often determine your ability to hit shots consistently.

The goal of alignment is for your shoulder and wrist joints to be parallel to the target line. Meanwhile, your feet, knees and hips should be placed so that your shoulders and wrists remain parallel to the target line, as well.

Alas! Your eye line should now be set for the desired shot.

Still, you can't play good golf without your clubs being properly fit. If you play with the wrong club for your stature and game, it's just like wearing the wrong-sized shoe -- at first you don't mind, but after awhile, it really becomes a sore subject.

Throughout April, The PGA of America offers PGA Free Fitting&Trade-Up Month, where you can get a complimentary fitting by a PGA Professional to determine the proper clubs for your game. You can also trade-in your old clubs for credit toward purchases of new golf gear. In addition, you can enter to win prizes, including a trip to the PGA Learning Center in Port St. Lucie, Fla., for the Ultimate Fitting Experience.

To take part in PGA Free Fitting&Trade-Up Month, be sure to contact a PGA Professional near you by using the Zip code search on PlayGolfAmerica.com or the new ProFinder feature on PGA.com.

Until next time, here's to better golf!

Best wishes,

Rick Martino, PGA
PGA Director of Instruction
The PGA of America