Should the shaft parallel with target line at the top

Should the shaft parallel with target line at the top? I found mine is pointing to the left(20 degrees) to target. Would this make me to do correction on downswing? Thank you.

The perfection position would be the shaft parallel to the target line. However, if your shaft is slightly laid off (pointing to left) or across the line (pointing to the right), it wont make much difference. Problems might occur if the shaft points way to the left or way to the right.

Shaft left of target is not a problem as long as it stays on plane, many or even most handicap golfers do not achieve a parallel shaft at the top, many find it creates an unbalanced feel. Seniors in particular will lack the flexibility. It is more concerning to over-swing.

What is your ball flight like?

Thanks for the replies!

My ball flight is about 25% higher than most of the pros. Ball sometimes goes left.

Your swing plane is probably too steep. For a lower more penetrating ball flight drop your arms from the top so that your hands are around hip high with the club laying back at 45 deg. Then release from this position.

Thanks BrianW. Will try next week.

If you extende the butt of club towards the ground it shoud touch the target line even at the top of the swing.

Re: the higher ball flight - you may not be transferring your weight properly. Relax your arms on the backswing - a slightly bent left arm is desirable. Feel the weight go to the inside of the back foot. Now, swing your arms through such the you feel them pull you to the front foot. This is more an arm type swing but can really help you get your weight going foward. hope this helps mike.

hi
do you also stand a little open. most players that stand open tend to have the shaft point to where the feet are lined up, ie to the left, the best example was lee trevino, but on his down swing his hips slid to the left and pulled the club onto the line and he pushed his shot rather than swung around. lot of pro's do tend to have the club aim out to the left to some point but they all fade the ball and that is there bread and butter shot.
bill