Does your golf game need a little help? No matter how good a golfer a person is, we all can use a good tip now and then. Some of us more “now” than “then”! So here are some useful tips for you.
Most people think that success starts with a good golf setup position, however, have you ever thought why a great golf setup is so important?
Jack Nicklaus: “If you setup correctly, there’s a good chance you’ll hit a reasonable shot, even if you make a mediocre swing. If you setup to the ball poorly, you’ll hit a lousy shot even if you make the greatest swing in the world.”
David Leadbetter: “What invariably distinguishes a good player from a poor one is their respective address positions or setups.”
From above, we know that golfers striving to improve their scores must focus on the fundamentals of success. The single most important and most overlooked full swing fundamental is the setup. The setup writes the script for the swing and all too often amateur and professional golfers struggle due to poor address positions. All great golfers and teachers are aware of the importance of the setup.
Good golf setup position helps you achieve three important objectives. First, proper posture and foot placement allow you to maintain your balance throughout the swing. Second, a good setup helps you create power and control the direction of the shot. Key pre-swing elements such as ball position and body alignment to create the conditions that lead to controlling. Finally, all great players pre-set themselves in positions that they try to create impact. In other words, your golf setup puts you in positions of advantage, making a fundamentally sound swing possible.
Now, you may know the importance of the setup,how about the position?Today, I will tell you something about the ball placement, next I will give you more information about body position.The ball placement varies with the club you select. From a flat lie:
Play your short irons (wedges, 9-iron and 8-iron) in the center portion of your stance. These clubs have the most upright lie angles and they must be swung at the steepest angle, and you should take a divot in front of the ball.
Your middle irons should be played one ball toward the target-side foot from the center (a ball left of center for the right-handed golfer). These clubs have a slightly flatter lie angle and you should take a slightly shallower divot than with the short irons.
The correct ball position for the long irons and fairway woods is two balls toward the target-side foot from center (two balls left for the right-hander). With these clubs, the ball should be struck directly at the bottom of the swing arc with very little divot.
The driver is played farthest forward (three balls left of center for the right-hander) to strike the ball on the upswing.
For your body, at the address of the upper body should be tension free. You may feel tension only down the inside of the back leg. Remember: “Your swing evolves from your setup.” If you focus on this vital pre-swing fundamental, you are more likely to improve your performance. A good setup does not guarantee success, however it improves your chances immensely.