The Lesson Tee

In golf, we like to have control, or at least the feeling of control. We try to control our setup, tempo, our emotions, and unfortunately, we try hard to control the results.

Today we are going to talk about a simple idea that can help you control the clubface which in turn should help you hit straighter golf shots. Before we get to our idea, we must first understand that to hit mostly straight shots we need to have an address position that is square to the target. In the pictures below you will see an open, closed, and square setup. Our goal is to be square for this exercise. Now we move into the idea of controlling the clubface. In this exercise the trail hand is what we are working with (right hand for right-handed golfers). I want you to think back to the days of your youth and playing with squirt guns. Effectively your trail hand will act as the squirt gun.

Control your clubface

In golf, we like to have control, or at least the feeling of control. We try to control our setup, tempo, our emotions, and unfortunately, we try hard to control the results.

Today we are going to talk about a simple idea that can help you control the clubface which in turn should help you hit straighter golf shots. Before we get to our idea, we must first understand that to hit mostly straight shots we need to have an address position that is square to the target. In the pictures below you will see an open, closed, and square setup.

Our goal is to be square for this exercise.

Now we move into the idea of controlling the clubface. In this exercise the trail hand is what we are working with (right hand for right-handed golfers). I want you to think back to the days of your youth and playing with squirt guns. Effectively your trail hand will act as the squirt gun.

As you take the club back to a 9 o’clock or three-quarter position, the squirt gun should be pointing straight behind you. Then as you move through the golf ball when you reach the 3 o’clock or three-quarter finish position your “squirt gun” should be pointing at your target. If you can aim your trail hand like a squirt gun as shown in the pictures below you will hit straighter golf shots.

Best of luck and have fun!

Alan Reese, PGA Professional

Salem Golf Club

areese@pga.com