Key Positions: Down the Line

1) The angles that I set in address will very strongly influence the shape of shot I hit and also that quality of the strike at impact. I try to have my weight on the balls of my feet and I try to flex my knees and hips at address but my back naturally upright. I am also conscious of my alignment and if you draw the ball set to the right of target or like me if you fade the ball set yourself aiming more left.

2) As the club moves away from the ball I am trying to keep the club head outside my hands and I am trying to keep my body quite still but not tense. I like to feel that my weight is gradually transferring to my right foot.

3) When the clubshaft is parallel to the ground you should see that the club head is in line with your hands and that the club face is angled slightly down to the ground or approximately on my spine angle. My hips are not turning at all and my left shoulder feels that it is turning down to my right toe.

4) When my left arm is parallel to the ground I have the feeling that I am swing the clubhead into the air and that my right arm is folded and close to my side.

5) From the last position I am now totally focused on coiling my down and keeping my balance. My lower body is coiling and my upper body is stretching my back to the target. You should check your position in a mirror or on a video, really make sure you swing your irons only to this length for power and accuracy.

6) Starting down to the ball I try to let my weight move to my left toe and keep my back to the target as I allow my arms to fall back down my chest. I am really focused on balance and not on acceleration.

7) At impact my hips arm open and my upper body is now trying to overtake my lower body an accelerate to the finish. Feel your right arm straightening and pushing down on the shaft and then chasing the ball through to the finish.

8) At the finish I am aware of my balance and of keeping my body angle that I set at address all the way through to the finish. I feel my right shoulder is the closest thing to the target at the finish.