Wirral Life July 2020 | Page 62

W L GOLF YOUR CONSTANTS REMAIN CONSTANT BY TOM ATKINSON, PGA GOLF PROFESSIONAL Here's a simple grid I set up on the range to make sure that my constants remain constant, this was for a 7 iron. I would move the ball gradually further forward as I hit longer clubs. I need to know my shape to be able to practice efficiently, I may not always hit the draw, but as I know its my prominent shot I will set up for it 100% of the time while I hit balls, you should do the same for your prominent shape. Why can these mistakes be so costly? The answer is in your head, literally. Your brain is unbelievably good at making compensations, for example if you're aiming right you will subconsciously pull the club across your body in order to start it online, not a consistent way to play golf. Or, if your ball is too far back in your stance you may keep your mass back and try to dig the ball up off the ground, again, not a good move for consistency. Go and work on the strike first and foremost as without that it's hard to work out why it may be going offline. When you can hit 8/10 to a satisfactory standard then have a look at direction and shape, then when you're confident, try and hit different shots. Hitting balls without question breeds confidence, but doing it without a consistent set up can prove costly. If you're still at loggerheads with yourself then get in touch and I'll take a look. 62 wirrallife.com One of my alignment sticks takes care of my aim and the other my ball position.