One out of three

I saw an internet presentation about how to hit draws, not something I really need, but I thought it might be interesting. And it was.

The first of three suggestions for developing a draw (and curing a slice) was something I'd come across before because of a lesson a friend had taken to try to cure a big slice. Put simply, suggestion one is to make sure your lead hip is slightly inclined forward and outward. I believe this helps to square the hips and assist with weight transfer.

Unfortunately, the pro left the club before my golfing colleague could take any follow up lessons, which I'm guessing would have included the following suggestions (numbers two and three).

The second suggestion is to make sure your lead arm is higher at set up than your trailing arm - taking a sighting from down the target line. This set up alignment of the arms actually helps square the shoulders - something I've always thought was critical for the average player in creating a good on-plane backswing. Pros can get away with slightly open shoulders at set up because of their ability to make a big turn on the backswing.

The final suggestion, which I've taken up myself, is in the final stage of set up. It is to raise the hands slightly (an inch or two) so that the arms are more in line with the club shaft. The sole of the club stays put; the hands and grip handle just elevate slightly. This move seems to ensure that the club face is at the correct angle (that is slightly closed) at address, and so that it actually stays that way into the backswing. This is important for players who have a tendency to open the club face as they take the club back - because they never really close it properly on the downswing. If you experiment with keeping the hands low at address you can clearly see this open club face effect (the dreaded slice).

As I said, my golfing colleague never got to hear or try these latter suggestions. I think they would help many golfers hit the ball straighter. It's helping me hit the ball arrow straight, even though I have closed to square shoulders at address and reasonable weight transfer motions. I also have a neutral grip which allows me to choose to shape the ball either way when needed, with reasonable success.

One out of three is not good enough. It's a shame. But the story is not over.