Newb question - Setting the Club behind the ball

[Hellisan]

I've been playing for a couple years, very sporadically, and still think of myself as a very new player. (Perhaps that's part of the problem, and my refusal to take lessons).


One thing I have always struggled with is simply lining up the club in my grip and behind the ball. If I stand comfortably with the club in my hands, I think I have it too open. Should the line of the club and the shaft line up exactly straight with my left arm? Generally speaking, I think golf clubs are designed so that they can be hit any number of ways, but I still think there is probably a "wrong" and "right" way to do it if you're hitting a normal, full shot.

Also, when I'm standing comfortably, it looks like the heel of the club is where the weight is centered. Could that have to do with chunking the ball? Should I lift my wrists up slightly to make sure the club is standing flat, or is it just a matter or preference, or what?

if anybody has some easy checks I could do at address, I'd be eternally grateful.

[shortstop20]

I always have my hands slightly in front of the ball at address with my short irons. Less in front of the ball with the mid irons and almost even with the ball with the long irons and woods(including driver).

I've always put the toe of the clubhead a little higher than the heel. Not sure if that's right or not, I would be interested to know as well.

[Razorhog]

Not to state the obvious, but you really sould consider a lesson. I've had one lesson and it was invaluable to be face to face with the teacher.

[mellojoe]

Not to state the obvious, but you really sould consider a lesson. I've had one lesson and it was invaluable to be face to face with the teacher.

Ditto.

And I'm not just agreeing with him because he's from Arkansas, either. One lesson (and just a 20-minute one at that) changed the game from a frustrating pile of crap to a fun one. Its still crap, but at least I have an idea of what I need to be doing. Good luck! Find a 30-minute lesson with someone you are comfortable with. its worth it.

[Hellisan]

Thanks guys. I really wanted to stay away from lessons, because once I go in and get "fixed" there'll be the temptation to go in and do that every time. And spend thousands of dollars on lessons, which I'd really rather be putting into other things. But I might just do it anyway.