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A Small Change in Your Alignment Can Make a Big Difference in Your Game

By Brendon Elliott, PGA
Published on

Many swing issues stem from problems in pre-swing fundamentals. Posture, Grip, Alignment, and Ball Position are examples of pre-swing concepts that may require a look at when things get a little out of whack. Below is a snapshot of one critical pre-swing area that even the best in the world look at when problems creep up with their games.
Alignment-
One area that many golfers struggle with is getting correctly aligned to their intended target. I teach students to visualize the concept of Alignment as being like a set of railroad tracks. For right-handed golfers, the right track is an imaginary straight line that goes from behind the clubhead and ball, through the clubhead and ball and on to the intended target. This is their Target Line. The left track, for right-handed golfers, is an imaginary line that runs parallel left of the target line, or that right track. With this left track a golfer will align their feet first, and then be cognizant of their knees, hips and shoulders stacking up on top of that foot alignment. In doing this, their feet, knees, hips, and shoulders will all be parallel left of their intended target line or that right track. The left track is known as your body line.
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Making sure the right track (Target Line) and left track (Body Line) are running parallel to each other will help in giving a golfer a chance to swing the club on a path that will send the ball straight towards their target. Variations of this concept may eventually be introduced that will allow golfers to shape shots, but knowing this standard alignment set up first is extremely important.
Many golfers lead their set up routine by lining their body to the intended target first and then set the clubface. This sets them up with the body going far right of where it should be and the clubface even further right. Some, while lining the body up at the target, even attempt to align the clubface at the target as well. In either case, the path of the swing will have to be manufactured to try and create a shot that flies on the intended target line. Simple put, poor alignment creates poor swing habits.
It is critical to understand and work on alignment as the path of a golfer’s swing is dependent on proper body, and target alignment. In addition, at set up, it is important to be aware of the clubface setting perpendicular to the target line, or the right track. This remarkably simple yet sometimes overlooked fundamental is that of squaring the clubface to the intended target.
Regardless of what swing issues a golfer may have, taking a hard look at these critical pre-swing fundamentals is always a great place to start. I highly suggest that golfers find someone to act as an extra set of eyes for them as they work on their alignment...and have them take video as well. For many, seeing themselves on video is a game changer, especially as it relates to getting your lines on track.
Brendon R. Elliott, PGA

Sorrento, FL

Brendon Elliott

Director of Instruction, Freelance Golf Writer

After 16 remarkable years of nurturing young talent and fostering a love for golf through The Little Linksters Golf Academy, Brendon Elliott is excited to announce the transition of leadership to esteemed Coach Ricky Collado in 2025. As the baton is passed, Coach Ricky will take charge of all operations and become the primary point of contact for any Linksters-related inquiries. As Brendon steps into a new chapter, the focus will shift to launching and growing BE A GOLFER, a new academy dedicated to competitive teenage golfers. This initiative will continue both in-person and remote coaching, harnessing years of expertise to nurture the next generation of golfing talent. Further expanding horizons, Brendon will also dedicate time to One More Roll Golf Media. This venture aims to collaborate with various golf media outlets and businesses, delivering high-quality written, video, and voice content. Despite these new ventures, Brendon will remain closely connected with Little Linksters. A commitment to collaboration with Coach Ricky will continue, particularly with projects like the PGA Junior League, ensuring a lasting impact and smooth transition. “I am thrilled about the future of Little Linksters under Coach Ricky Collado’s leadership. This transition marks a change and an exciting new direction for me and the academy. I look forward to contributing my efforts towards developing competitive young golfers and advancing in the golf media landscape.” ~ Brendon R. Elliott, PGA More About Coach Brendon... Brendon Elliott is a distinguished PGA Professional who has received over 25 prestigious industry awards recognizing his contributions and influence in youth golf, most notably, the 2017 PGA of America National Youth Player Development Award. With numerous appearances on the Golf Channel and local news outlets in Florida, Brendon has established himself as a respected educator and influencer in the golf industry. Renowned for his expertise in all aspects of golf, he is a sought-after speaker at golfing events and panels. In the past three years, Brendon has expanded into media, writing for esteemed outlets such as PGA.com, PGA Magazine, Golf.com, GolfWRX.com, RG.org, and many others. Elliott is also part of the “Quiet Please Golf Podcast” crew and hosts a livestream show on the Golf Live App called “Monday Evening Tee Time.” Brendon’s dedication to advancing the sport has made a significant impact on the golf community.

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