spot/target line alignment

[dlam]

[PHP][/PHP]

I really like reading the posts on this forum.
This is my first post and I interested in the opinions of the fellow posters on how one likes to set up.
In particular if you like to set up with a" target line" or "spot alignment"

 

[dlam]

After a few days and small sample size of 16 respondents, seems that half prefer target line half prefer spot alignment.
I have been told some golfers use a target such as treetop, cloud or fairway bunkers out in the horizon, - don't think I would consider this as a "spot alignment". Rather this would be for a golfer who can imagine a shaped shot IMHO
True spot alignment would be a spot on the ground like Jack N would teach or some reasonable modification of using " spot on the ground."
Does anyone have an opinion?

 

[TROYNYGOLFER]

I assumed target line to be aiming for where the ball going to land, versus spot alignment to be aiming at an intermediary point a la Nicklaus. I use spot alignment for a full shot, but more target alignment around the green.

 

[dlam]

Troy,
target line is not necessary the distant target., some golfers use a line from the target to the ball and then forget about the distant target and use the "target line" as the "intermediate target".
Does that make sense?

 

[TROYNYGOLFER]

Troy,
target line is not necessary the distant target., some golfers use a line from the target to the ball and then forget about the distant target and use the "target line" as the "intermediate target".
Does that make sense?

Sure. The problem I have with the "line to the target" concept is that for me, I have a tendency to want to keep my club on target too long and fail to properly release the club.

 

[dlam]

For those who answered with - both spot and target line at the same time.
I have trouble with following a line with my eyes and still be focused on a spot. To me it's either one or the other.
How do you use spot and target line at the same time?

 

[SJO]

I just look at where I'm trying to hit it and feel my set up from there. I have to feel the shot through the set up so thinking about lines or spot alignment doesn't really work for me.

 

[dlam]

SJO, I agree it more natural and feels better to look up and set up the body to the target then aim and fire.
This is so with the long game.

But I find line/spot targets helps for the short game.

 

[spktho]

I'm sorry, I don't understand the poll too well:

The issue I have with the choices is that with the longer shots, how can you use spot alignment without also using target line. If you are picking a spot in front of the ball that is on the target line, then when you set up to the ball you are using both the spot and the target line to set up, because you are aligning your stance to the spot on the target line.

Or do you mean looking at the target and setting up as spot alignment?

Then on short shots--pitches and chips...spot could mean the place you want to land the ball.

I constantly struggle with alignment, along with many other things, but would like to understand some different ways to do it.

 

[dlam]

spktho,


Sorry, you're right. there is some confusion between target and spot. Maybe I'll do another poll, seems that alignment cues are different when one is around the greens than on the tee box.


I personally don't like to use an intermediate spot target for my full swing, only for when i'll around the green.
straight target line is my preference for the long game.