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Golf Question Should I Always Aim Straight To Each Hole On The Golf CourseWhen golfers reach a high level of proficiency they can begin to hone their technique and hit the ball different shapes through the air.

Good players, especially professionals and low handicappers, can shape the ball left to right or right to left and also begin to hit the ball higher or lower on command. This is very important to play the very best golf.

Its a common misconception that the top professionals hit the ball straight every time. In fact recent studies of pros on the PGA Tour show that almost none of them aim to hit the ball straight, they try to shape the ball through the air on most shots. This is because even for the very best players in the world, hitting the ball with a dead square club face in relation to the target at impact is very, very difficult.

When facing any shot out on the course, always try to imagine what type of ball flight will suit the situation. For example, if you are faced with a left to right dog leg tee shot then to shape the ball left to right in the air would be the best option. Other examples could include an approach shot into the green with a left to right cross wind, for maximum control a draw shot (right to left) holding the ball into the breeze might be the best play.

Follow this guide to help adapt your club swing path and face angle to produce shaped shots through the air. Moving the ball further forward or back in the stance could help produce higher and lower shots.

  • Fade - To produce a fade the club needs to travel from out-to-in (cutting across the body). At the point of impact, the club face needs to aim between the target line and club path (just left of the target). This will produce fade spin and move the ball left to right.
  • Draw - To produce a draw the club needs to travel from in-to-out (moving from inside the body to out). At the point of impact, the club face needs to aim between the target line and club path (just right of the target). This impact position will cause a draw moving the ball right to left.
  • Straight shot - Hitting a straight shot requires the club to travel from inside to square to inside. At impact the club face needs to aim at the target line. This will produce a straight shot

    • Sorry Try Again! - See Explanation Below

    The problem with hitting straight shots is that its so damned difficult! If you are hitting the ball straight every time then you will be in the minority of golfers.

    Sorry Try Again! - See Explanation Below

    Drawing the ball is also a high tariff skill for most golfers. If you play with a natural draw then some types of shot will suit your eye more than others. Try to develop the ability to shape the ball with a fade as well for more options on the course.

    Sorry Try Again! - See Explanation Below

    Fading the ball is something most golfers find easier to do than draw. But consistently hitting the ball from left to right will not favour all course types or shots. Work on changing your path and club face for maximum ball shaping ability. Even the best players in the world dont hit the ball straight every time, learn to shape the ball for the best results.