We are going to look at and discuss one of the biggest issues that get's golfers misaligned to the right, and it is not the optical illusion. It actually is misunderstanding or using a flawed definition of parallel lines. I cannot tell you how many times I have had golfers in golf schools or private lessons, answer the definition of parallel lines incorrectly or give the correct definition, but have a wrong interpretation.
Webster's dictionary describes parallel as, 'side by side, extending in the same direction and at a constant distance apart so as never to meet.' Railroad lines are the best example. Most often in golf schools (as well as in private lessons,) I have the worst aligned student setup to the right of the target and then I drop a club down across their toes. I then have them look at their toe and body line relative to the target, and I hear more gasps of amazement and disgust.
Next thing I do in the discussion of alignment is ask for a definition of correct alignment. I get the majority of the time the correct definition of parallel, or parallel left, as an answer. Then I ask where does the line point for the ball. I always get the answer, 'at the target,' which is correct. My next question is where the system breaks down. I ask where the toe line points and the many times the answer is 'at the target.'
My next statement/question is 'Has the definition of parallel lines changed since I was in school?' I was taught parallel lines never merge or meet in the future. You just said that you aim the ball line at the target and the toe line at the target. That's both lines at the target and they both merge at the target.' That's when I get the, 'Wow, that can't be right. The toe line must be left not at the target.' I reply, 'That is why they call it not just parallel, but parallel left.'
The point that is important here is that even with the correct name and concept of parallel left, and in many cases the correct definition of parallel lines, many golfers applied the wrong application of aiming the toe line and their body at the target. With their body aimed at the target, they were aimed a least 5 to 7 yards right with their wedges, 10 to 15 yards with 7 to mid irons, and 20 to 30 yards right with their hybrids fairway woods and their driver.
With their bodies aimed at the target, the only way to hit a relatively straight shot was to pull the ball left. As you all know, sometimes you pull it just the right amount and sometimes you don't. One time may be too much pull and you end up in trouble way left. The next time you might not pull enough and you end up to the right. At the other end of the spectrum is when, after too many pulls and misses left, you hold on and get the power block right, or even the super slice to the right and off the planet.
The moral of this story is correct alignment is the toe line and body must be aimed parallel left of your target for 'Terrific Towards.'
The Surge!