If you have ever been to a professional Tour event you will doubtless have noticed just how careful the professional players are when addressing the ball. This highlights how important it is to have a good stance and address. The following simple routines are used regularly by some of the best players in the world to check the key fundamentals of ball position and alignment. They can also help you to improve your accuracy on the practice range and the course.

On the driving range

To check that your alignment and ball position are correct, you will need two shafts. Place the first shaft on the ground so that it is parallel to your ball-to-target line. This provides a helpful visual reference to ensure that your feet, hips and shoulders are all perfectly square to the target.

Now lay the second shaft on the ground at right angles to the first. This marks your ball position.

With a driver or fairway wood in hand, the shaft should sit just inside your left heel.

When playing with an iron, the shaft (and ball) should should lie somewhere in the middle of your stance.

On the golf course

It is important to check these fundamentals are in place before hitting any shot while on the course.

1. To build a good stance, stand to the ball with your feet together (the inside edges of your feet should aim directly at the middle of the ball) and carefully check that the club is pointing directly at your target. A couple of quick glances between these two points will help you aim the face correctly. Now that the clubface is in the correct position, focus on your feet.
2. If you are using a driver, simply move your right foot away from your left until your stance is wide enough to provide a solid base for the swing. This ensures that the ball is in the middle of your stance.
3. Now take one last look at the target before pulling the trigger.

What is the ball-to-target line?

This is a dead-straight line between your ball and the target.

If you are unsure whether you are aiming at the target, go over this routine in the practice range.

Place your club on the ground with the shaft resting against the toes of both feet. Now walk away and check where the shaft is aiming. Your feet should be parallel to your ball-to-target line and so the shaft should be pointing fractionally left of the target.

View More Golf Tips