Lining up your driver

[Shrek74]

Most of us are familiar with lining up our putts. We read the green, figure out our line, then line up the ball to that line using either the balls alignment aid or one that we add ourselves. We then use that line to line up our feet and ensure our putter's alignment aid lines up with the ball's alignment aid. Then we swing.

For the longest time, I just put a tee in the ground, placed the ball on it, went through my normal tee box routine and hit. Last season I started doing something different, and I'm not sure if anyone else really does this.

I actually line up my ball on the tee.

I use the CG alignment aid that's on my Maxfli Tour CG ball so that it's aimed at my target off the tee. That way, as I approach the ball and get my stance set, my feet/body are aimed properly and I don't need to continually look at my target over and over again or any other distraction for that matter. I take a moment to ensure I like the line of my ball to target, run through my routine, set up and go.

I started doing part of this really early last season, by just having the CG aid pointed at the fairway without any actual target or anything - just at the fairway. Then I started thinking about it and started to actually aim at a specific target that I would have tried doing anyway before swinging. But utilizing the alignment aid, now I have a more concrete target line set to get my stance aligned to that is a far more accurate than just hoping I'm aimed at my target line. There's a side benefit with my Maxfli Tour CG balls in that the center of gravity (CG) line is also aimed straight up and down at my target line, which one would hope would have the ball flying straighter utilizing that CG line.

Am I the only one doing this?

[Tom the Golf Nut]

I have done this for years. Always use the line on tee shots and putts. I add to any existing lines on the ball with a blue sharpie. I always use a blue line. That's just my thing and helps identify the ball.  

[NM01]

Nope. I align my face to my intermediary target.

I also like to take a couple looks at my target once I set up 

[MGoBlue100]

1 hour ago, Shrek74 said:

I actually line up my ball on the tee.

I use the CG alignment aid that's on my Maxfli Tour CG ball so that it's aimed at my target off the tee. That way, as I approach the ball and get my stance set, my feet/body are aimed properly and I don't need to continually look at my target over and over again or any other distraction for that matter.

Am I the only one doing this?

I've been doing this for quite a while. Probably more so than I do on the green. I find it especially helpful when the tee box doesn't align with the hole necessarily (those rascally course architects...) or I'm playing a bit more of a "curve" that particular day. I line up to an intermediate target, but DEFINITELY use the markings on the ball.

[russtopherb]

I always line the ball up on the tee. Helps me get my intermediate aim point when I'm standing behind the ball. 

I figure, any chance I get to align the ball to help me with aim and swing, either on the tee box or on the green, I'm taking advantage of it!

[GolfSpy_KFT]

I typically do not use an alignment aid off the tee box. I like to visualize the shape and line I want to take, then "draw a line" with my eyes back to the ball. I'll pick out something on the ground no more than a couple feet ahead of my ball that is on that imaginary line and align my clubface and body with that spot. 

Certainly not knocking using the alignment aid as I think everyone should do what works best for them!

[Rob Person]

I tried this with the mindset balls. Dont know how much it worked,  as I've also been doing like @GolfSpy_KFT does and pick a target in front of the ball.

Im all for anything that assists me in making fairway landings!

[Erin B]

2 hours ago, Shrek74 said:

Most of us are familiar with lining up our putts. We read the green, figure out our line, then line up the ball to that line using either the balls alignment aid or one that we add ourselves. We then use that line to line up our feet and ensure our putter's alignment aid lines up with the ball's alignment aid. Then we swing.

For the longest time, I just put a tee in the ground, placed the ball on it, went through my normal tee box routine and hit. Last season I started doing something different, and I'm not sure if anyone else really does this.

I actually line up my ball on the tee.

I use the CG alignment aid that's on my Maxfli Tour CG ball so that it's aimed at my target off the tee. That way, as I approach the ball and get my stance set, my feet/body are aimed properly and I don't need to continually look at my target over and over again or any other distraction for that matter. I take a moment to ensure I like the line of my ball to target, run through my routine, set up and go.

I started doing part of this really early last season, by just having the CG aid pointed at the fairway without any actual target or anything - just at the fairway. Then I started thinking about it and started to actually aim at a specific target that I would have tried doing anyway before swinging. But utilizing the alignment aid, now I have a more concrete target line set to get my stance aligned to that is a far more accurate than just hoping I'm aimed at my target line. There's a side benefit with my Maxfli Tour CG balls in that the center of gravity (CG) line is also aimed straight up and down at my target line, which one would hope would have the ball flying straighter utilizing that CG line.

Am I the only one doing this?

Maybe I should start doing this.... Never really gave it that much of a thought. Gonna try it though. 

[Shrek74]

22 minutes ago, Erin B said:

Maybe I should start doing this.... Never really gave it that much of a thought. Gonna try it though. 

I was really shocked at how much more confidence I have standing over my tee shot (driver, iron, other). I just feel better about my target line and everything.

[sirchunksalot]

I usually line up behind my ball, hold my club up, and pick an intermediate target in from of the ball then line up to that. 

I tried to do like you and @Tom the Golf Nut and actually line up the line on the ball I did decently with it, but just stopped. I need to give it another go. 

[IndyBonzo]

I have not done this.  My coach has had me sometimes point my alignment line at a 45* angle (forward/right) to encourage me to swing inside out, but pointing at the target also makes so much sense.  I will try it!  Good suggestion.

[Hacker60521]

I usually pick a mark on the ground a foot or so in front of where I’d place a tee and use that as my alignment mark. Then I just set the tee so that it forms a line to the mark on the ground I chose. Align the clubface, align the body, then slice or hook my drive. 

[Erin B]

11 hours ago, Shrek74 said:

Most of us are familiar with lining up our putts. We read the green, figure out our line, then line up the ball to that line using either the balls alignment aid or one that we add ourselves. We then use that line to line up our feet and ensure our putter's alignment aid lines up with the ball's alignment aid. Then we swing.

For the longest time, I just put a tee in the ground, placed the ball on it, went through my normal tee box routine and hit. Last season I started doing something different, and I'm not sure if anyone else really does this.

I actually line up my ball on the tee.

I use the CG alignment aid that's on my Maxfli Tour CG ball so that it's aimed at my target off the tee. That way, as I approach the ball and get my stance set, my feet/body are aimed properly and I don't need to continually look at my target over and over again or any other distraction for that matter. I take a moment to ensure I like the line of my ball to target, run through my routine, set up and go.

I started doing part of this really early last season, by just having the CG aid pointed at the fairway without any actual target or anything - just at the fairway. Then I started thinking about it and started to actually aim at a specific target that I would have tried doing anyway before swinging. But utilizing the alignment aid, now I have a more concrete target line set to get my stance aligned to that is a far more accurate than just hoping I'm aimed at my target line. There's a side benefit with my Maxfli Tour CG balls in that the center of gravity (CG) line is also aimed straight up and down at my target line, which one would hope would have the ball flying straighter utilizing that CG line.

Am I the only one doing this?

Tried it, like it. I’ll try to keep doing it.

[Shrek74]

1 hour ago, Erin B said:

Tried it, like it. I’ll try to keep doing it.

Good deal. Hopefully you find you're more accurate.

[Shapotomous]

I have done this since the ProV1's first came out and Jack said he found vastly improved performance when their 'equator' line from the mold was in line with the path of the ball flight. He said he couldn't believe they were approved by the USGA & R&A.  I started lining up that line with the flight path and have continued to use the alignment marks on the different balls I have played.

[RyanGi]

I do this. At the least, it helps me feel more confident about my body alignment, without looking up and down a dozen times…

[cnosil]

I’ve tried it in the past but didn’t feel like it added any value.  I just use an intermediate target and setup square to the line that makes.   

[RyanGi]

Being a noob, I find my concentration on the immediate 3’ circle around my ball is my whole world. If I do my lineups before I enter that circle, it seems to work out much better. Once I get into the circle, it’s hard for me to get back out of it, mentally. 

[Dweed]

I used to test the balance mark in salt water and mark the spot. I would place the dot facing the top when on the tee.  Stopped a few years ago once Calaway seemed to fix there quality issues. Now I just find an intermediate mark 12" to 36" out from where I place my tee. I use that line as my desired shot line. I can't trust the reliability of my shot shape yet. So I fudge that far target a bit. Align myself and say a prayer and go for it hoping my backswing actually turns into a downswing and follow through.

[Golf2Much]

Like many others above, I'll usually stand behind the ball, pick up an intermediate target between the ball and my target line.  I also was a Bridgestone Mindset tester and used the logo and philosophy on the tee box.  I typically hit 75% of the fairways during a round and maybe 0.5-1.0 more with the Mindset logo.

This week, on our hardest and tightest driving hole I followed my process.  I found a little piece of grass, aligned up to it and hit it well.  To my surprise it went way left of my intended line into the deep rough.  I stepped back and realized when I approached the ball, I picked the wrong piece of grass!  Maybe using the golf ball line is a decent back up plan.

[TSauer]

I just adopted the routine of lining my ball up on the tee box. However, when I take a step back and see where it’s aimed, if it’s off I don’t go back and readjust… I just know I need to line up left or right of that mark. 

I do feel as though it has helped with my alignment, which is something I struggle with badly. 

[chisag]

... Golf is such unique endeavor and in many ways unlike other sports. Mainly because it is static opposed to reactionary and it gives you all the time in the world to get lost in your own head. I never lined up the football throwing a pass and never looked at an intermediate target. Same with 3 point shots. Never lined up the basketball or looked at anything other than the front of the rim, my actual target. 

... I do the same with putting and driving. Like tossing a pass over a LB and under the safety I didn't pick a spot just looked at my target and lead them accordingly. With golf I just take in the line, the break and then putt to my target which is the hole. Off the tee I look at my target which is where I want my ball to land, and do my best to hit it there. Playing a Maxfli Tour X that has been balanced, I do line up my putts and tee shots in the general direction, then turn the alignment line under the ball so I can't see it. My entire focus is on where I want to hit my putt or my drive. 

... Nothing wrong with lining up a drive or picking a spot several feet in front of the ball if that works for you. But I would suggest if you are a right brain kinda person, just for shirts and googles, simplify your thoughts and play a round just looking at your target and see if that frees you up mentally and improves your putting and driving. 

Edited July 13 by chisag

[bens197]

4 hours ago, Golf2Much said:

Like many others above, I'll usually stand behind the ball, pick up an intermediate target between the ball and my target line.  I also was a Bridgestone Mindset tester and used the logo and philosophy on the tee box.  I typically hit 75% of the fairways during a round and maybe 0.5-1.0 more with the Mindset logo.

This week, on our hardest and tightest driving hole I followed my process.  I found a little piece of grass, aligned up to it and hit it well.  To my surprise it went way left of my intended line into the deep rough.  I stepped back and realized when I approached the ball, I picked the wrong piece of grass!  Maybe using the golf ball line is a decent back up plan.

I like what you’re saying and do the same with an intermediate target. 
 

I also tell myself “Steve, you have 50 yards left to right. That’s a LOT of room”

Driver is already a confident part of my game however I still want to be in a very positive mindset. After all, take the advantage as it’s the only full swing where the ball is placed wherever we please on the tee box. 

[chisag]

41 minutes ago, bens197 said:

I like what you’re saying and do the same with an intermediate target. 
 

I also tell myself “Steve, you have 50 yards left to right. That’s a LOT of room”

Driver is already a confident part of my game however I still want to be in a very positive mindset. After all, take the advantage as it’s the only full swing where the ball is placed wherever we please on the tee box. 

 

... So many ways to get the job done and there is no one right way, just the one that works for you. I can stand on the tee box and address the ball with a stance 10* open or 10* closed and hit the ball to my target without a fade or draw. It is more repeatable with a consistent square stance of course but my swing would adjust enough by just looking at the target and hitting it there. I couldn't do that with an intermediate target or attempting to hit the ball the way it is lined up on the tee. But I know that works for many, even if it's for only giving them confidence in a repeatable method. 

... I think watching Patrick Mahomes and Kurt Cousins is a great example. While both are comfortable in the pocket pushing off their back foot and stepping into the throw, Mahomes can be equally accurate running to his left and throwing the ball across his body and changing his arm angle without ever setting his feet. Cousins has said he wants lots of reps for any one play before attempting it in a game and is very mechanical in his approach and his numbers in the regular season certainly back up his tremendous mechanical success. But Mahomes creativity and ability to throw off platform has taken him to 6 straight AFC Championship games. (As a Bills fan I know you are painfully aware. ) 

[matt_puttercup]

I have sporadically tried this, and my first gut memory is that it was more helpful than harmful. With Driver and 3-wood (maybe even 3-hybrid and 4 iron) I think I get a bit off between standing behind the ball, picking the intermediate target, lining up to it and then taking my stance—tendency to have my feet a bit closed, prompting draw/hook. Standing over the ball I can’t sense that my stance is a bit closed. I’m about to play 7 days in a row to celebrate hitting the big 4-0: 4 recreational rounds and then my buddy’s member-guest. Will commit to trying the line on the ball on tee shots for the recreational rounds and if it’s helping, bring that into the tourney!