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Hit Better Irons With Proper Alignment How many times have you hit a solid iron shot and watched your ball come to rest nowhere near your intended target? One main reason is your alignment at address may be faulty. If you unwittingly align to the left or right of your target, your body will react by rerouting the club in the middle of your swing. You can't play consistent golf this way. Try this four-step alignment routine, and watch your shots land closer to your target. • Step 1 – Stand directly behind your ball, visualize the shot that you want to hit and pick a specific target. Don't just aim at the green; select a tree behind the green, a shadow on the putting surface, or something else that is specific. For example, let's say that there is a chimney in the distance that you want to choose as your target. Choose even a specific part of that chimney to aim at such as the top right corner of it. This will set you up to hit more accurate shots since the brain has a very intentional target to send the golf ball to. When setting up for targets, always remember the famous saying: "Aim small miss small." • Step 2 – Pick an intermediate target about two to three feet in front of your ball, like a leaf, divot, or a blade of grass. It is much easier to aim at a close target than at something that is much farther away. Once you pick your immediate target, make sure the clubface is aimed directly at it. • Step 3 – Step into your stance without altering your clubface angle. Most golfers attempt to set their club and their stance towards a target at the same time. However, if your intention is to hit the ball on an intended target line then it is imperative that your club is aimed on that line before the body is set up parallel to it. Make sure that you have your intermediate target lined up, and then take a good look at your chosen target. Your last look should be at your final target. • Step 4 – Don't spend too much time thinking about the shot or the results. It often helps to maintain a little bit of movement in your feet to not get stagnant over the ball. If you stand still over a ball too long, your sequencing could be negatively affected thus resulting in a poor swing. Once you're comfortable and balanced in your setup, look back at the ball and fire away. As always, please feel free to contact the golf shop with any questions, comments or feedback. I hope you enjoy the golf course, the club and the camaraderie of each other. Thank you for your continued support and we look forward to the rest of 2023! Good golfing. ~ Brian Garlington, PGA | SUN LAKES LIFESTYLES | AUGUST 2023 | 23 GOLF COURSE TOURS Have you ever wondered what the back side of the Championship Golf Course looks like? Tours of the course will be offered at no cost to residents on Aug. 16 and 24. Sign-up sheets are available now in the pro shop. Golf carts will be provided, and seating is limited, so sign up now. Participants need to gather at the Pro Shop at 3 pm, and tours begin at 3:15 pm.

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