Since we have two eyes (and one is more dominant), the most efficient place to read the aim is from behind the ball. Have you caught yourself adjusting your aim while addressing the ball? We are tempted to do that because we want to trust what our eyes tell us. Yet we must realize that standing to the side of the ball, with tilted eyes does not allow our visual system to provide us with an accurate read.
So how do you know if you are aiming correctly? The age-old method used when practicing alone is to use a club, a pointer board or some other device. It is placed on the ground either between your feet and the ball, or on the other side of the ball. This may be helpful for some golfers during practice but the Rules of Golf do not allow an aiming device such as this during the course of play.
While playing golf, you are faced with the challenge of positioning yourself appropriately to the ball so that you can send it to the intended target. Therefore the first step in developing your aiming ability is to practice approaching the ball with an intended target in mind. Right and left-handedness and eye dominance will play a role in the development of your procedure. There is a pattern to the aiming procedure of players who are right-handed and right-eye dominant.
There is a different pattern to the procedure of the player that is right-handed and left-eye dominant. Be advised — we each have a unique system for processing information. There will always be subtle differences in each player’s routine, but through experience you can develop a procedure or an approach to the ball that will allow your brain/body to aim accurately each time. Practicing with that precise approach. for each and every ball that you hit, will produce efficient aim and will allow you to develop accurate feedback on your own.
- Your dominant eye is the eye you will most likely use for your camera or if you were looking through a telescope. It is not necessarily the eye with the best vision. About 80-85% of us have the same eye dominance as handedness.
- Always begin your aiming procedure from behind the ball.
- Determine a precise target; successful performance begins with an intention.
- Gaze at the ground while approaching a position next to the ball.
- Turn to face the ball and place the clubhead behind the ball. You will want to experiment using your normal hold (two hands) or approaching the ball with one hand, right or left.
In the case of the right-handed golfer who is also right-eye dominant, the most effective procedure includes stepping into the ball with your right foot and keeping your body behind the ball as you place the clubhead on the ground.
This would also be the recommended procedure for the left-handed, left-eyed golfer who plays left-handed. Step into the ball with your left foot. Take your stance (without changing the position of your clubface).
For the left-handed and left-eyed person who plays right-handed or the right-handed, left-eyed golfer, approaching the ball with your club in your left hand and placing the clubhead while both feet are together and your body is behind the ball is often an effective method. Take your stance (without changing the position of your clubface).
Most players will take a look at the target once they have addressed the ball. I recommend that you look at your target with your eyes level. This way you are seeing the image as it is, rather than looking at it lopsided. Also when you return your eyes to the ball, use your dominant eye to sight the ball.
As stated above, each individual is unique in terms of processing the target. Some golfers can sense the target with little visual access, especially when the target is close, like on the putting green. Others will describe their targeting process with detailed visual cues.
The above recommendations on procedure have assisted many players in their ability to aim. As you begin to establish your approach to the ball and an efficient aim, an observer, such as a coach, a friend or caddie can document your actions and validate your accuracy.
