Pro Pointers - Routine makes for better aim, grip and posture

One thing you will notice in all good players is that they approach every shot from behind the ball .

They stand looking directly down the target line to get a good visual of the shot, a real feel for it. It only takes a few seconds, but if you get into this habit you will enjoy a better ‘mind set’.

Try to identify what we term an ‘intermediate target’ a few feet ahead of the ball – that makes aiming the club much easier to get right.

Then, as you walk in, go through key moves to get ready.

For the grip, check that the right hand is in the fingers, while the butt of the left hand hides the top of the shaft (as you look down on it). 

Approach every shot from behind the ball

Always check your grip

As you then approach the ball, aim the clubface at your target, allowing for your natural shape of shot.

Finally, settle down into a square stance, so that your feet, knees hips and shoulders all run parallel to your ball-totarget line.

I often get asked how far you should stand from the ball, and clearly this is a detail that has a big influence on your posture.

Well, here’s an easy way to check it: when you are the correct distance from the ball, if you were to let the club fall, the grip would strike you just above the knee. (Below Right) And when you are the correct distance you can settle down into a good posture.

Routine makes for better aim, grip and posture

The sweet-spot on these modern oversize titanium headed drivers is quite high up the face, so don’t be afraid to tee the ball relatively high – that way you will maximise the power potential of these clubs

Checking the distance to stand from the ball