And another thing

When I recently decided to try to simplify my approach to golf, mainly by forgetting anything technical, and concentrating on finishing the stroke with a full follow through - for all shots driver to putter - I didn't address one very important fundamental that some say is more than 80 percent responsible for decent golf shots. I'll come to that.

The fact is there is something in my ball striking that I've been struggling with which I never thought would be an issue for me: too much draw, call it hook, on the ball. This is not an issue with shorter shots and putts, obviously, but it is definitely an issue with hybrids, fairway woods and, of course, driver.

Even when I weaken my grip - rotate my hands on top of the shaft - I can hit serious hooks. In fact, it can even make my hooks worse for some reason. And this weak grip feels uncomfortable, almost like I'm slapping at the ball with it, rather than hitting with power. So, the anti-hook strategy had to lie elsewhere.

That fundamental I'm talking about is alignment, feet, hips, shoulders, combined with a good grip and proper athletic posture.

Over the years I've developed a reasonably athletic stance and good grip, but with a very closed shoulder alignment. This was originally to compensate for the slice that plagued me for some time as a relative beginner. Unfortunately, I now have to conclude that this closed shoulder alignment is causing me to come too much from the inside on most shots - encouraging a draw or hook - especially when I am tentative or tired and over-use my arms.

The answer as I see it now is to retain my normal grip and posture and general alignment to the target, but allow my shoulder to open a little at set up - as it does for most golfers when they take their grip with the lower hand. This might end up as a square shoulder alignment or as is recommended by some golf teachers a slightly open shoulder alignment at set up.

One way or another, I have to get a better handle on my ball flight, I am now too concerned with trying to allow for a hook, not knowing if the ball will sometimes hook or sometimes go straight. If it was a gentle draw that would be fine, but as Trevino once said 'you can talk to a fade, but a draw doesn't listen'.

Trevino also suggests a simple way to shape the ball that I'd not come across anywhere until recently. For a draw he suggests setting up with the hands forward at address so that at impact the hands will stay back a little into impact, in compensation, promoting a closing club face and a draw. To hit a fade, keep the hands back at address so they will lead into impact, opening the face slightly for a fade. Interesting, but perhaps a bit too advanced for me, especially with all my other issues.

But I'm happy to have a strategy to try out in my next game - not messing with my swing - just a shoulder alignment tweak. It's just another little thing, but it should be fun.