I've a couple of points here so bare with me.

First of all, after 4 lessons with my local pro, I've started to fix what he said was my biggest problem: Alignment. He said my bad shots come from bad alignment and that I'm hitting very consistantly when aligned properly, because good alignment means less correction during the swing.

He told me about picking a blade of grass (or some other marker) in front of the ball that lies in line with my target and to align my address to that imaginary line. I've been doing this recently and, yes, I have seen my scores some down. (I scored a 91 on a long full 18 hole course recently having never broken 100 on such a course)

Have any of you more experienced players got any other tips for good alignment. 

My other point is this. Most books and on-line lessons tell of using an 'Open stance with an open club face' when pitching short shots, anything up to 100 yards. I've always had trouble with this. Especially when trying to practice bunker shots. 

Why, technically speaking, do we need an open stance & open face for these shots? Does it not enchourage an in-to-out swing plane. I can understand that the club face will meet the ball still in line with the target but again, why not line up with a neutral stance and an aligned clubface?

Ray,

I watched a chap on the range a couple of weeks ago - perfectly aligning his feet with a stick lying on the ground.

He repeatedly hit bad balls with his driver and consequently kept adjusting his stick.

After ten minutes or so of this I just couldn't keep stum any longer. So I walked up to him and in a very friendly manner explained that his shoulders were out of alignment with his feet and that his right shoulder was way too dipped.

"Oh no he repled. I'm receiving lessons from a pro. My coach has explained how to do it all with this stick!"

I walked away with a wry smile resolving to keep my big mouth shut in future.  

Possibly our iron experts will answer the points which I have left unanswered.

Totally agree with you Ivan, many a time when I'm at the range I keep myself to myself.

Alignment comes from 3 areas, feet, tops of thighs and shoulders.

One suggestion I have given to people is to buy 4 garden canes (the metal ones with green plastic coating) from B&Q, 2 long ones and 2 medium ones.

Line one (medium) up with the ball to target, then one across the toes Medium) to form a parallel line (or tram/train line) and then to hold one (long) across the top of your chest (arms crossed over) near the shoulders and when your in the swing position you should be able to see all three are parallel.

Any deviation then re align and close your eyes so you can feel how your stance is in relation to the correct position.

After a few adjustments you start to know whether your shoulders are open or closed.

and if you want to check your thigh line then you can hold the 4th (long) cane against them to see if one side is proud or not causing an open or closed situation.

Wayne,

Brilliant advice.

One tip though:

Be careful approaching any new female student with an armful of canes. She could get unduly excited, and fail to respond to instructions. 

Teaching females is an experience in diplomacy as you well know Ivan

When coaching them I am constantly saying "do you mind if I hold you here" to explain the position, or even to say to her beforehand that I am going to touch her somewhere first and the reason behind it to get the ok before diving in

This is an interesting topic. I have never taken much time in setting up to the ball and yesterday I thought I would try this lining up with a blade of grass or whatever in front of the ball.

I actually used a previous divot, so placed my ball exactly in line to where I wanted to aim.

When I then set up to the ball looking at both the ball and the divot I got the impression that I was way open in my stance and that I could not see how I was going to hit it straight, and I was right, completely a waste of time for me.

So the conclusions are that I obviously play with an incorrect setup and have done all my life.

Thanks for the points guys. I should add tho, that having seen 180deg pictures and video of my address and swing, I do align my shoulders and hips very well in line with my feet. I should clarify that the problem I was having was with aim, rather than alignment. (Doh!)

So my alignment (i.e. shoulders, hips and feet) was fine but usually pointed too far left of my intended target. Therebay forcing me to correct in my downswing, opening the clubface and slicing badly.

When the pro aimed me correctly, the downswing compensation wasn't nessissary and therefore I started hitting much better, straighter shots.

So I suppose my question is more to do with Aim and Alignment. 

You lucky filthy swine Santo

If only

Would you be able to put a tee peg or a ball marker on the turf in front of you? Or would this infringe any rule. Would it be allowed on the tee as the ball would not be in play?

Dave CAC handed Geordie.

Dave its againts the rules and is also as bad as sharing a putter all the way round