Welcome to Shaving Strokes, a GOLF.com series in which we’re sharing improvements, learnings and takeaways from amateur golfers just like you — including some of the speed bumps and challenges they faced along the way.
Maybe it’s just the mid-handicapper in me, but I can’t tell you how many times I actually pure a shot, stare it down, and then realize the ball’s going exactly where I was aiming — which wasn’t even the right spot to begin with!
Like many amateur golfers, understanding how to aim in golf can be trickier than it needs to be. That’s because many of us just try to square up to the flag which is hundreds of yards away, rather than simplifying things by choosing an intermediate target instead.
This clubface hack is a quick-fix for those infuriating mishits
What’s that mean? According to GOLF Top 100 Teacher Jim Murphy, your intermediate target shouldn’t be anything further than just a few inches in front of your ball, which will make it easier for you to ensure you’re aimed properly.
So instead of watching your shots go straight — only to land yards away from the flagstick or green — try Murphy’s simple on-course aim hack to give yourself a better chance at sticking it close.
Here’s how to aim in golf, per a top teacher
“When you’re setting up to the golf ball, you always want to look at it from behind and kind of visualize the ball to your target,” Murphy tells me. “Then you want to pick out an intermediate target.”
But instead of choosing something too far in front of you, Murphy says focus on a target that’s nearly right below your nose.
“People have heard that for so long, but, usually, their intermediate target is 10-15 yards up there [and in front of them]. When it’s that far up there, it may as well just be the pin,” he shares. “I like something about 6-8 inches out in front of the ball — the closer the target is, the easier it is to aim at it.”
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During our lesson together, I identified a simple divot that was about half-a-foot in front of my ball. Murphy then explained his recommended process as I setup over the ball.
“The first thing you want to do is aim the golf club,” he tells me. “So ground the club to where your face is square with your intermediate target, and then you set your body accordingly.”
After taking his advice, I don’t just pure my shot, but I actually see the ball headed towards my intended target — rather than aiming wrong to a spot that’s hundreds of yards away.
So simply find an intermediate target a few inches in front of your ball, ground the club to square it up, and you’ll ensure that you’re aim and alignment are perfect before hitting each shot.
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