[Yoda]

Given that the impact hand location for almost everyone is higher than at standard (or adjusted) address and that the goal is the have the RF on plane with the shaft at impact, does the RF have to match the shaft plane at standard or adjusted address, or just get it as close as possible.

Bruce

Bruce,

You are right that most everyone comes in with their Hands higher than in their Address Position, even the "good players." But it doesn't have to be that way.

If you follow the Address Routine in 2-J-1 -- with the Clubhead either 'hovered' behind the Ball or else soled properly (toward the Toe of the Club) and with Extensor Action applied -- you will have set your Hands at exactly the same height they should return at Impact. Of course, almost nobody does this, so assuming a proper On Plane Downstroke without Throwaway, the Hands cannot possibly return to their Address Position. Nor should they.

Regarding the Right Forearm, it will not be at its full Bend until the Hip Turn and Axis Tilt have lowered Right Shoulder. Hence, unless the Address is taken in a full Impact Fix, there typically will be "less Right Arm" at Address than at Impact. So, I recommend getting the Forearm as close to in-line with the Clubshaft as possible at Address, without contorting the Body or artificially creating an extreme Right Arm Bend. However, in any case, the Right Forearm will be definitely below the Left (when viewed from 'down the line').

Study Photos 9-2-1 #2 (Address) and 9-2-2 #2 (Impact Fix) in The Golfing Machine. Those wishing to improve (or verify) their current Arm and Hand alignments will find them worthy objectives.