One of the quickest way to improve your golf score is to hit the golf ball straight. By hitting the ball straight, you will hit more fairways and lower your golf score. Understanding a few basic principles of physics as they apply to golf, can help you to modify your golf swing to hit the ball straighter.
Step 1: Understand the three variables that determine the direction of the ball:
a. The target line is where the player wants to ball to travel.
b. The swing path is where the club travels to strike the ball.
c. The club head position is where the club is when it strikes the ball.
Step 2: Understand the nine basic ball flight characteristics. Each characteristic is a combination of the three variables and each yields a different result. For details on the nine ball flight characteristics, refer to United States Schools of Golf website for an in depth description of each (see Resources).
Step 3: Observe the golf ball in flight and divot pattern to determine the characteristics of the swing. This will provide feedback on what components of the swing you need enhance to improve your ball striking. You may want to videotape your swing or have a friend observe your ball. Be sure to note your swing path and club head position when you watch the video.
Determine which of the variables you need to work on to produce a straighter golf shot. For example, if the ball starts straight and then curves to the right, the ball has the characteristic of swing path right, club head open. To hit a ball straight you need to have a straight swing path.
Step 4: Modify your swing based on your observations. Continue observing your ball flight and divot pattern to determine any additional modifications.
Tips
Take a lesson or series of lessons with a trained PGA professional. Most PGA professionals have advanced training in all aspects of the golf swing. They can help guide you and provide the insight and feedback for you to fine tune to your golf swing to help you have a proper swing path and a desirable club head position.
Resources
- — United States Schools of Golf website — ball flight laws
