Annika's 3 Keys To...

Driving the ball straight

Annika Sorenstam

SHOULDERS SQUARE? Swing your right hand back, then slap your left. Your hands should meet in front of you.

By Annika Sorenstam
Photo By Dom Furore May 2007

1. Most golfers lose the ball to the right because they leave the clubface open at impact. I was having the same problem last summer, so I strengthened my grip, rotating my left hand clockwise on the handle. The key feel for me was the thumb pad on my left hand covering the top of the grip.

2. Another change I've made on tee shots is a wider stance. This gives me a more stable base and discourages side-to-side movement of the hips. If your hips slide back as you swing to the top, your upper body will tip toward the target. Then, as you swing down, your body will reverse direction, causing an out-to-in path and a slice. Try a wider stance.

3. I use the drill above to get a feel for square impact. Hold out your left hand, swing your right hand back, then slap your left. Your hands should meet directly in front of you. If your shoulders are open—a slice position—your hands will meet too far forward. Strive for the feeling of square shoulders at impact.

Golf Digest

SUBSCRIBE TO GOLF DIGEST

& save 68% off the cover price!

12 issues for $14.97
*Plus applicable sales taxNon-USA - Click Here
 
May 09, 2008

lesson tees

David Leadbetter
David Leadbetter
How to create coil for power
Jim McLean
Jim McLean
Brush up on your swing with this mental image
Johnny Miller
How to handle firm, super-fast greens
Jim Flick
Jim Flick
Out of the sand with one easy move
Tom Watson
Try Snead's secret to making consistent contact

Swing Sequences

Swing Sequences
View full-motion swing sequences some of the world's best players including Els, Mickelson, Garcia and more!
PGA Free Lesson Month

Analyze Your Game

Want help with your game? Shot By Shot offers a free trial of its game analysis.
MORE INFO

Tip of the Day

I feel tall and athletic in my posture, with my chin up away from my chest. Going back, my weight … More

Rule of the Day

A man and a woman are playing in a mixed league, where the format is match play. One hole on … More

Instructor Rankings

50 Greatest Teachers

Who are America's best instructors, as ranked by their peers? The names at the top are familiar to any serious student.

NEWSLETTERS

Golf Digest's newsletter
Golf World's newsletter

Golf Digest Subscribe >

Golf World

Visit Subscribe

Golf for Women

Visit Subscribe
Conde Nast Store
Subscribe

Best Places to Play — Course Finder

Advertiser Events & Promotions

This season, you would rather:
This season, you would rather: