There are lots of different elements to a good golf stance; it is the foundation of a successful golf swing and helps get your body into the right position for a great shot. For example, poor posture can put your whole swing off, and the more you do it the harder it is to correct. While we don’t all have access to a professional instructor who can tailor their advice to our specific bodies, and there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, there are some things you can do that might help.
Grip
It’s important to get your grip right before anything else. For right-handed players, try holding the club with your left hand and turning your hand slightly so that you can see the back of your hand. The V-shape that your thumb and index finger make should point toward your right shoulder.
Your right hand should then grip the club with the right thumb overlapping the left, pointing down the left side of the club. (Swap this round for left-handed players). Keep your grip light with the weight on the fingers, not the palms. The control should come from your shoulders and arms.
Stance Width
Stance width is important because the wider your feet, the more stable you are when you’re swinging, particularly if you need more power. For irons and fairway woods, it might help to position your feet shoulder-width apart, with a slight bend in your knees, while a narrower stance can help with wedge shots. A slightly wider than shoulder-width stance can help with driver swings.
Remember to keep your back straight and your arms loose, if you’re relaxed this will keep your shoulders down and release any tension that could affect your swing.
Posture
The right posture is important as it lets you move freely and efficiently; it’s estimated that nearly 70% of amateur golfers don’t hold their posture during a swing. Everyone is unique, but the main thing to remember is not to be too bent over or too upright. A good way to get it right is to move as though you are about to sit down, it’s also helpful to keep your head up; by keeping your head down you’re limiting the movement of your shoulders. Your arms should be straight and relaxed with the club held at your waist. You could also try the ‘hand span’ test to check your distance; hold your hand out and have your little finger on top of the club and your thumb on your belt buckle.
It’s worth noting that as women have a lower centre of gravity their posture is slightly different, so it can help to bend more at the hips.
Clubface Alignment
The correct alignment takes some practice, but it’s worth getting it right as it helps determine where the ball ends up; whether that’s a point on the fairway or a specific hole. Then, imagine a line running from this point to the ball, and angle the clubface at 90 degrees to this line. You could use an alignment stick, or even a piece of rope when practicing at the range to help with this.
Once you’ve done this it helps to position your body so that your knees, feet, hips, and shoulders are parallel to this line.
Ball Position
The position of the ball can affect the trajectory, distance and accuracy of the shot, but it also changes depending on which club you’re using. Finding the right position for each club will help you strike the ball better:
Irons – Middle
Hybrids/Driver – Inside left heel
Wedges/short iron – Centre
In general, the longer the club shaft, the further forward the ball needs to be.
It’s important that you feel comfortable when perfecting your golf stance, and also that you’re consistent. Find the stance that suits your height and flexibility and gives you the best results. Then, once you’ve developed your stance you can focus on perfecting your swing, so you can really get the most from your game.
As your game progresses, and you build up a collection of clubs that you can’t be without, you might want to think about golf insurance. You can choose from three policy types that you can personalise with a range of Optional Benefits.
Give us a call today for a free, no-strings quote that will fit you to a tee!
All content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only. We make no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site. We will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information nor for the availability of this information. We will not be liable for any loss, injury, or damage arising from the display or use of this information. This policy is subject to change at any time.
We offer a variety of cover levels, so please check the policy cover suits your needs before purchasing. For your protection, please ensure you read the Insurance Product Information Document (IPID) and policy wording, for information on policy exclusions and limitations.
