Lining up shots with your right or left hand?

[pjsnyc]

Did a search for alignment and couldn't find a topic on this, so forgive me if I'm asking a question that was already asked.

I'm right handed as most probably are. When you go to line up your shot (mainly iron shots) do you hold your club in your right hand or left hand when setting the club behind the ball? I recently switched from using my left hand to my right hand and my aim has gotten better, though I'm not sure if its just a placebo effect or whatever. Comments?

[iacas]

Did a search for alignment and couldn't find a topic on this, so forgive me if I'm asking a question that was already asked.

Most pros use their right hand, yes. I do as well, though often when I'm actually first setting the clubhead behind the ball it's with both hands. I walk to the ball with the club in just my right hand and always put my left on second.

[JackieTreehorn]

I used to only use my left hand to position the club behind the ball. Then I switched to only the right hand and it felt good. I am in a period of transition right now so I don't know what I will stick with. Lately I have been placing the club behind the ball with both hands on it and then briefly taking the right hand off (and letting it hang) to make sure that I am the correct distance from the ball (it won't move to or away from body) and there is no tension in my R arm.

[pjsnyc]

Thanks for the reinforcement!

I went out and walked 18 today at vannie but decided to only bring my sunday bag with hybrids, irons, wedges, and a putter (10 clubs total). Played from a mixture of tee boxes (some front, some mids, some tips) so as to alleviate me from being handicapped by my club selection and shot an 87 today doing nothing but setting the club with my right hand! Friggin awesome!

[ks8829]

I stand behind the ball and draw a line from the target pass the ball to where I am standing and actually lay my club down on the line. I then walk around and adjust the club perpendicular to the target line and move my feet in postion. For me, I find this is an accurate way to line up to the target.

I also use this pre-shot routine for my putting. I tested this on lone putts and this is very accurate.

[alf174]

After positioning my feet on a line parallel to my target, I place the back of my left hand facing the target and then my right.

[allin]

I actually don't worry much about my hands, I like to feel as if I am ling up the inside of my right elbow up through my right shoulder. This is probably because I grip the club before I check my alignment one last time.

[MMouse]

I've always used my left and have never even considered switching. I might have to try it out as my aim needs work right now.

[kc8kir]

One reason this works for some people is that it is very easy to twist your shoulder alignment or the club face when you put the right hand on the club. This can happen without you realizing, and will affect the quality of your shots.

Glad you reminded me of this... I haven't been paying attention to my pre-shot setup routine enough lately.