You have to keep your hips away from the target line and your head behind the ball for consistent ball striking. I believe these are two immutable facts. Many extraneous movements can occur, and with sufficient talent and practice, quality shots can result. But if that extra movement causes you to move your hips closer to the target line or your head forward (toward the target) of the ball, consistent ball striking will not occur.
They Go Hand in Hand
Interestingly, these two movements are interrelated. If your head moves toward the target, your hips will naturally move toward the target line. If your head stays behind the ball, your hips are much less inclined to make that move. So, how do you keep your head back? It all starts with your setup.
The Usual Caveat
As always, I’ll describe this from the right-hander’s point of view. Lefties, switch things around.
Its Just a Fact
At address, your right hand is lower on the grip than your left. The only way this can occur is if your right shoulder is lower than your left. If your shoulders were perfectly level, your hands would occupy the same position on the grip. There are two ways to facilitate this shoulder tilt. One is correct, and the other leads to poor ball striking. Sadly, the latter is most common!
Don’t do This
Most people get their right shoulder lower than their left by tilting the top part of their spine. Most of the spine remains vertical and hips level with the ground. This position is not good!
Do This
The correct way is to ensure the entire spine tilts back slightly away from the target! The shoulders retain a 90-degree relationship to the spine. The head is slightly behind the ball. Keeping your hips back, away from the target line, and your head behind the ball from this setup position is much easier. Here’s a picture of three pretty good golfers in their setup position. Notice how each one has their entire spine straight and tilted back away from the target. Their shoulders and spine create a perfect “T” shape.
Give it a Try!
Next time you go to the range, practice shots from this setup position. It will most likely feel awkward at first but give it 10 or 15 tries. I think you’ll find more consistent and solid ball-striking results.
Remember, have fun out there!