tips on targeting

[rcaprio]

Any tips on how to improve targetting?

Thanks

[gord962]

Re: tips on targeting

Are you looking for distance control?

Assuming that you have a VERY consistant and reliable swing, distance control is based on practice. First, you need to know EXACTLY how far each club goes. From there, you need to know exactly how far your 3/4 swing goes with each club. How much distance does playing a draw vs. playing a fade vary for each club? Things like these can't be told to you, they are all something you have to work out at the range and it's not a short project.

Unless your handicap is under a 8 (or so), I would first base my attention to short game practice to the point of where you can chip it close enough to 1 putt and practice putting so that you are hitting 10 footers 8 out of 10 times.

[LowPost42]

Re: tips on targeting

Any tips on how to improve targetting?

Thanks

What do you mean?

If you're referring on how to line up your shot, here's the method I use:

I hold the clubhead in my hand, then pick out my target in the distance. I hold the butt at this target, then I line up the shaft with my ball (so that the shaft creates the line between my target and ball), then I pick a spot 8-10 inches in front of my ball, on that line. This spot may be anything (leaf, different coloured grass, tee bittle, whatever). I always try for a spot on my line, but can often get away with a reference point close to my line.

Next, I setup my clubface aiming at that point 8-10 inches in front of my ball, then setup and swing.

[Andycap]

Re: tips on targeting

I use the 8-10inch target, and make use of it at the range as well, because I think it takes a while to develop confidence in the method. At the range, I will place a small piece of gravel a foot in front of the ball, in a line with the target. I also place a club six inches outside of the ball in line with the target, because at the range, I tend to align myself to the edge of the mat or bay, so this helps with my stance as I move the target around.
The advantage of this method, is that it helps to free your mind of swing thoughts and makes you more target aware. On the course, you are so busy concentrating on the near target, that negative thoughts about water, trees and other hazards just don't come into the equation.