Although many hole in one stories are unbelievable and happen at chance, there is a simple way to increase your odds of getting that ace. What is that one key to decreasing your score and increasing your chances? Hitting the ball straight! Its actually very simple down on paper however if you talk to any one whose stepped foot on a golf course they will tell you, it’s a lot harder than it looks! Golf Magazine has put together five important steps that will alter your stance and in fact help you hit the ball straight.

The first move has to do with how you set up the ball. Most golfers will throw the ball on the tee and not even think twice about it however the height of the tee does make a difference on how you hit the ball. If you tee the ball lower so that the ball is level or below the top of the driver, there is less room for error or unpredictability when the drive makes contact. Secondly, any professional will tell you that your swing starts in the way you grip the club. Jeff Newton from Golf Magazine suggests choking down on the club one or two inches. This will give you more control on the club especially through the downswing.

The third move involves your upper body. It’s important to keep you shoulders and chest in line through the swing, Newton suggests that if you squeeze your arms to your chest when addressing the ball you will be more inclined to keep the line steady throughout the swing. The fourth step may reduce your distance slightly however it will allow the ball to fly straighter. Instead of taking a full “grip it and rip it” attitude restrict your back swing to a ¾ swing rather than a full, this will eliminate the chance for the club head to turn in the back swing. The last move again concentrates on your grip. As the club is approaching the ball on the downswing keep a strong grip on the left hand (for the right-handed golfers) as you make impact. This will have a chain reaction to your shoulders to ensure that everything is kept in line. These couple adjustments may seem minor however if practiced enough can straighten out your swing and get you closer to the green and maybe even a hole in one!