Forearm alignment is the foundational orientation of your radius and ulna relative to the clubface at address, serving as the primary 'steering wheel' for your swing path. This concept is vital for everyone from high handicappers struggling with a persistent slice to competitive golfers looking for elite-level shot-shaping precision. By mastering this alignment, you solve the problem of a 'biased' setup that forces your body to compensate mid-swing for a face that was never square to begin with.
Look at your 'elbow pits.' If your lead elbow pit is pointing toward the target and your trail elbow pit is pointing toward the sky, your forearms are likely misaligned in a slice bias. They should ideally be more symmetrical.
Yes, and that's the point. As [Danny Maude](/creator/danielmaude) suggests, you should rotate the forearms *before* finalizing your grip to ensure your hands and arms are working in unison with the clubface.
Directional results are often immediate because forearm alignment directly dictates the face-to-path relationship. However, it takes about 2-3 weeks of consistent practice to make the 'new' alignment feel natural.
Coaches who demonstrate the forearm alignment drill, each linked at the second they start.