Instruction

Balance Starts with a Proper Setup Position

By Heather Wilson on April 16, 2008

In this article, we’ll deal with the setup.You’ll notice that we have a comparison image in the article of two different body types. One is Tiger Woods and the other is Hal Sutton. I think you will notice quickly that their setups match the lines I will discuss below. Balance in the golf swing is a priority. Balance starts with a proper setup. This lesson deals with a fundamental that affects us all and sets the foundation for all of your future lessons.

Points to ponder

• All clubs are the same length.

• Balance points are almost identical.

1. Take a moment and set your 9 iron against the wall. Please make sure the sole is flat on the ground. Now take your 3 iron and repeat. Step back and look at the wall and you will notice the grips are the same distance from the floor. Only difference is the angle the club extends from the wall.

1. Balance points deal with anatomical positions of the body. I want you first just looking at the vertical lines and trying to match out your body parts.

Front Vertical Line – Drawn vertically from the front of your rear shoulder. (rear shoulder is the shoulder behind ball) This line extends vertically downward intersecting the right hand.

Back Vertical Line – Drawn vertically from the back of your rear shoulder. (rear shoulder is the shoulder behind ball) This line extends vertically downward intersecting the knees and toes.

Now lets look above at picture T-1. You will notice almost identical lines. Two distinct body types yet the lines almost perfectly match. They would match if the clubs were the same lie angle. It is very important to have your clubs fitted. Only difference you will see is the right hand of Hal a touch further through the front vertical line. Bigger in the chest requires more upper body bend, thus a flatter club, which results in arms hanging more away naturally.

Looking to the right at picture T-2 we see the same similarities. Notice a big change on both Hal and Tiger. Their right hand is much more extended through the front vertical line. Even though all your clubs are theoretically the same length your arms and hands will match the club.

Note: Knees and how the arms hang are very important to the circle you are trying to create in your golf swing. Learning the proper posture will improve your balance. As your balance improves so will your circle!!!

Brain teaser question??

If the clubs are the same length why do the pictures of the driver look as if they are standing taller? Email me at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) for your answer.