Driving · Tip
Aim at Something Close, Not the Flag
Part of our driving programs for push or pull. Build a program with it
Aiming at a faraway flag is hard. Aiming at something a foot away is easy. Stand behind the ball and pick your target. Then find a spot on that line, about a foot ahead of the ball. A leaf, a mark, a broken tee. Aim the clubface at that spot first. Don't twist your head at address to check. It doesn't tell you much. Pick targets that match your real shot shape. Then commit, even if it feels a little off.
Step by step
- Choose your target from behind the ball.
- Pick a spot a foot ahead on that line.
- Aim the face at the spot.
- Allow for your usual shot shape.
- Commit and swing.
Why it works
A spot a foot ahead of the ball is close enough that a small error in face angle is easy to see. A flag far away makes it hard to judge where the face points. The face angle at impact controls most of the starting direction, so a face aimed at the right line sets up a start line that matches your target. Aiming the face first, then setting your feet and body to it, stops the body from pulling you off line.
Common mistakes
- You pick the spot while standing next to the ball instead of behind it.Choose the target and the spot from behind the ball, on the line between the ball and the target, then walk in.
- You twist your head at address to check the aim, which changes your shoulder and face angle.Trust the spot you picked and keep your head still, then look up at the target only along the line you set.
- You aim at the flag and ignore your usual shot shape, so the ball keeps finishing left of where you want.Move your target to allow for your normal curve, then aim the face at a spot on that new line.
How you'll know it's working
- The ball starts on the line of your chosen spot, even if it curves afterward.
- Your misses come back toward the same side with a smaller gap, so the pulls shrink.
- You can set the face to the spot in a few seconds and it looks the same each time.
Make it easier or harder
Easier: Place a tee in the ground a foot ahead of the ball on your line and aim the face at it.
Harder: Use only a natural spot such as a leaf or mark, and then repeat the routine on the course with a driver and no tee as a guide.
Common questions
Why do I keep pulling my driver left?
A common cause is a face that points left of your target at address, or a body line that is not matched to the face. Aiming the face at a close spot on your intended line helps you check this.
How far ahead of the ball should my aiming spot be?
About a foot ahead, on the line to your target. It is close enough to see clearly, and it still lets you set the face to the line.
