Importance of Eye Line in Golf Swing
When it comes to the perfect golf swing, it all starts above the neck. The position of the head and eyes are paramount to success on the links - driving, chipping and putting all start with proper placement. Keep your head straight and looking down, and your scores should improve with time. If you take your eye off the ball or bring your head up too fast, there’s no telling where your ball could land.
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Why is Eye Line Important?
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The eye line of a golfer is important because in many ways, the head controls the accuracy of the swing. If you bring your head up, the rest of your body (and club) will follow. This often results in players pulling up on the ball and “topping” a shot, essentially leading to a diminished force on impact and a low, bouncing ball without much distance. The term is often applied to the short game, where a golfer wants to create an imaginary line leading the ball to the cup.
Head Straight, Look Down
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When you line up for a putt, your eyes should be looking directly over the ball. If you were to drop a ball from between your eyes, it should land directly on or near the ball you are about to putt.
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The Target Line
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The target line is the imaginary line between the ball and the area that you intend your shot to reach. Your eyes should line this up, and then your stance should set up parallel to the target line. Once you feel parallel to the ball, check to make sure your club is correctly in this target line, then remain focused on the ball throughout the swing.
Set-up
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If you are set up properly, there is no need to look elsewhere during your golf shot. Most good golfers line a shot up from behind, look up and down at their target, and then begin setting up. In time, your body will trust this proper alignment, and the eyes won’t be constantly checking the feet or other things during the swing. Instead, you will remain looking at the ground, at the ball and area where your club should move through the target line. Worry less about watching your shot reach the target, and first concentrate on finishing your swing or putt. The stroke isn’t over until the follow through.
Assistance
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Numerous devices are available for sale to assist golfers to improve eye line in putting. Putting plane systems offer a mirrored surface to check whether the eyes are directly above the ball and help the putter come straight through the target line.
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References
- Photo Credit Playing Golf image by Chad McDermott from Fotolia.com
