Target Focus All clubs Beginner / Intermediate ⏱ 6 min 🇬🇧 Video in English, summarized

Clubface-First Alignment Routine: Kerrod Gray

Name: Clubface-First Alignment Routine: Kerrod Gray
Uploaded: 2020-02-05T12:00:00+00:00
Duration: 5 min 47 s
Channel: Kerrod Gray
Description: Do you always end up aiming to the right without meaning to? Kerrod Gray, an Australian instructor, addresses golfers who misalign their body and club: he suggests a simple pre-shot routine that starts with the target, positions the clubface first, and checks your aim with a precise head movement.

Do you always end up aiming to the right without meaning to? Kerrod Gray, an Australian instructor, addresses golfers who misalign their body and club: he suggests a simple pre-shot routine that starts with the target, positions the clubface first, and checks your aim with a precise head movement.

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Kerrod Gray · his YouTube channelFree lesson selected by Fred P.

To be continued

12 minSame problemDriver: Build a Fairway on the Range Like MorikawaCollin Morikawa · Beginner / Intermediate 23 minNext Level UpHitter vs. Thrower Swing: The Real DifferencesJérémy Goergen · Intermediate 9 minFrom the same proSlice and Early-Opening Shoulders: The Left Arm StopKerrod Gray · Beginner / Intermediate

What the lesson shows

According to Kerrod Gray, many alignment issues stem from the way you approach the ball during your pre-shot routine. The most important aspect of your address is the clubface: the ball generally starts in the direction the clubface points. Behind the ball, draw an imaginary line from the target to the ball and choose an intermediate target about six inches in front of the ball: a blade of grass, a splash of color—but not something too conspicuous, like a leaf or a pebble, that you’d end up aiming at.

Next, move both hands forward on the club and set the clubface down first, with the body still open. Golfers who set their feet to the target first have their eyes tilted, a distorted perspective, and their clubface ends up aimed too far right. From aiming right all the time, you get into the habit of coming over the top to bring the ball back on line. Once the clubface is square, set your body perpendicular to its leading edge, without striving for extreme precision. To check, don’t lift your head over your shoulder: turn your head on its axis toward the target, keeping your eyes on the plane, and check that the target matches your alignment.

The Exercise, Step by Step

Stand behind the ball and draw a line from the target to the ball.
Choose a subtle intermediate target about 6 inches in front of the ball on this line.
Step toward the ball with both hands on the club and your body open.
Set the clubface square to that marker.
Position your feet and body perpendicular to the leading edge.
Turn your head on its axis toward the target to check, then take your shot.

Key Takeaways

The clubface determines the ball's starting direction.

Choose a subtle intermediate target about 6 inches in front of the ball.

Set the clubface down first, with the body still open.

Setting your feet first makes you aim right.

Rotate your head on its axis to check the target.

Mistakes to Avoid

Choosing a target that stands out too much, like a leaf or a pebble.
Setting your feet before the clubface.
Lifting your head over your shoulder to look at the target.
Compensating for aiming right by coming over the top.

Driving Range Mode

Keep it in plain sight, on the rug.

An intermediate target 6 inches in front of the ball on every shot
Clubface set first, body positioned second
Checking the target by turning the head on its axis

Your Questions

Why set the clubface before your feet?

Because the ball generally goes in the direction the clubface is pointing. If you position your feet toward the target first, the clubface—which is farther from your body—ends up pointing to the right.

Which intermediate target should you pick?

Something small and distinct about six inches in front of the ball—like a blade of grass or a spot of color—not a large leaf or a pebble.

What are the consequences of aiming too far to the right?

According to Kerrod Gray, it often leads you to come over the top to subconsciously bring the ball back on line.

How do you check your alignment at address?

Turn your head on its axis toward the target, keeping your eyes on the plane, instead of lifting it over your shoulder, which distorts the perspective.

Learn More

All “Target Intention” videos →Find the lesson that's right for you Driver: Build a Fairway on the Range Like MorikawaA fairway winding between two driving range markers, a gentle rise up to waist height, and an outer target in sight: Morikawa’s driver. Hitter vs. Thrower Swing: The Real DifferencesCompare the swing of someone who hits the ball with someone who throws it to the target: intent changes the setup, the move, the release and the finish; change the start and the end. Predicting Ball Contact: Edouard Montaz’s DrillContact is a prediction, not an action: lower your stance in stages (swing at the air, top, clean ball, ball-grass-ground) while aiming at the target. Kerrod GrayAll of his lessons

Video posted on YouTube by its creator (Kerrod Gray). Best Golf Tips selects and summarizes the best free lessons without hosting them.