Oregon Drift

In golf, whenever a player intends to make a full swing the rule of thumb is that you should stand with your feet, knees, hips and shoulders on a line that is parallel to the line of shot — a position described as being “square” to the target.

Placing a couple of clubs on the ground will help you to recognize this when you practice.

Lay one club along the intended line of shot, (directly at your intended target). Lay the second club on the above mentioned line that is parallel to your line of shot.

Also, periodically lay a golf club across your shoulders to ensure the shoulder angle also is parallel to your line of shot. People who frequently slice the ball will find their shoulders are aligned left of the two clubs on the ground.

Practice hitting an entire bucket of balls with the clubs down.

When you start to compare your divot path to the two clubs, the divots should be  parallel to the clubs.

Practice with the clubs on the ground as part of your regular practice routine until it is second nature and feels comfortable. Then use the drill again periodically.

Used regularly, this simple practice aid will improve your consistency and perhaps straighten out your ball flight.

Jim Wakeman is a PGA pro at Bandon Crossings Golf Course. He has been a PGA pro for 14 years and worked on the South Coast for the past 10 years.