In golf, getting the fundamentals correct is the basis for good golf. Alignment is crucial. It is amazing how many golfers have the wrong idea of how to line up to the target correctly. I have added the above image so everybody can get a clear idea of what is required. The club on the ground on the far right is the “target line” (where you want the ball to go), the club on the left, on the ground, is the club where your feet should be aligned to. As you can see, this is parallel to the target line. Your feet should never aim at the target!!
This is a view from above of how your body should be aligned to the target. As you can see, everything is square to the target. This will help hit an accurate shot.
Many people speak about what impact should look like. I feel this image can give people a clear image of what is required for a compressed and square impact position. Hitting into an impact bag can be a very good indicator to how impact should feel.
A good thought to have when starting your downswing, is to let your arms simply drop allowing your hands and arms to stay straight at impact. The common mistake is players trying to scoop the ball and rush the downswing.
Remember, the first move to start the downswing is with the hips. The sequence of the downswing is as follows…Hips, Upper Body, then, The Arms. Most people make the mistake of pulling the arms down first which then stops the correct sequence. As they say, it is all in the hips. Hip rotation is key!