Ava Romero
Perfecting your golf stance is one of the most important things you can do as a golfer. If you don't set up and aim properly, you won't hit the ball at your target, and you'll lose distance and direction. The distance you stand from the ball in a proper stance is dictated by the length of the club you are hitting and your posture. For example, with a driver, you will stand the farthest away from the driver than with any other club because it is the longest club at nearly 45 inches. The longer the club, the farther you stand away from the ball.
Your golf stance is the foundation of your golf swing, so it's important to pay close attention to the checkpoints and pro tips to help you get into the correct golf position and stance and become a better, more consistent golfer.
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What You'll Learn
The distance between your body and the ball depends on the club
For example, the driver is the longest club, so you will stand farthest away from the ball when using it. The ball should be positioned forward in your stance, off the heel of your leading foot. Conversely, the wedge is the shortest club, so you will stand closest to the ball when using it. The ball should be positioned back almost to the middle of your stance. For the clubs in between, move the ball progressively back as the club gets shorter.
To get a sense of the right distance, you can try the following: grip the club and hold it parallel to the ground with your elbows on your torso and directly below your shoulders. Then, bend with your hips and flex your legs. Your hips should be above your ankles, and your weight should be on the balls of your feet. The handle of the club should be at a 160-degree angle from your forearms, and you should grip the club around your belt buckle with the toe up. When you look down, you should see the end of your grip, not the middle of the shaft.
Another way to check your distance is to flex your knees so that your weight shifts from your heels to the balls of your feet. Take the chosen club and lower it onto your front thigh. The club should touch about one inch above your kneecap. If it doesn't, adjust your distance from the ball.
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Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart
Standing with your feet shoulder-width apart is a fundamental aspect of the golf swing setup. This stance provides a stable base and allows for enough freedom to pivot during your swing. It is important to note that the stance will vary slightly depending on the club you are using.
For a full golf shot, you should stand with your feet about shoulder-width apart. This is the same stance you should take for most shots. Your stance will be the widest for a driver, with your feet just outside your shoulder width, and the narrowest for a full wedge shot, with your feet just inside your shoulder width. For pitch and chip shots around the green, your feet will be much closer together.
The distance you stand from the ball is dictated by the length of the club you are using. The longer the club, the farther you stand from the ball. It is important to avoid hunching over and reaching out for the ball with your arms. Instead, your arms should hang down naturally.
You can find the ideal distance by practising on a range and then committing to the same stance each time you swing. This will help you to strike the ball more powerfully and accurately.
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Bend your knees slightly
Bending your knees is an important aspect of achieving a proper golf stance. It is a key part of the setup, which is the foundation of every swing you take.
When bending your knees, aim for a slight bend, as if you're about to sit down but change your mind halfway through. This keeps you grounded and allows for better balance and weight transfer during your swing. It also helps you maintain the same spine angle throughout your swing, which is crucial for consistent contact with the ball.
Practising in front of a mirror can help you find the right amount of knee flex. This way, you can see what feels natural and what looks right. If you feel off-balance, adjust your knee bend until you feel steady.
The right amount of knee bend will vary from person to person, so it's important to find what works best for you. However, it's worth noting that too much or too little knee bend can negatively impact your swing. Too much bend can make you feel wobbly, while too little can make you feel stiff.
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Lean forward from the hips
Leaning forward from the hips is an important aspect of achieving a proper golf stance. This movement helps to create a sixty-degree angle in the spine, strengthening the core and reducing pressure on the back during powerful shots.
To begin, stand with your feet about shoulder-width apart, with your stance varying depending on the club you are using. For a driver, your feet should be just outside shoulder width, while for a full wedge shot, they should be just inside. For other clubs, adjust the ball position progressively as the club length changes.
Next, tilt forward at the hips, allowing your upper body to adopt the correct swing posture. It is important to maintain the straightness in your legs and avoid hunching over. Your arms should hang down naturally in front of you, with your hands roughly the same distance from your thighs.
By leaning forward from the hips, you can also determine how far to stand from the ball. Flex forward until the club touches the floor, and this impact spot is where the ball should be placed. Additionally, ensure there is enough space between your body and the grip to spread your fingers comfortably.
Practising this stance and the subsequent swing will help you strike the ball more powerfully and accurately while reducing the risk of injury.
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Keep your back straight and your chest out
Keeping your back straight and your chest out is an important aspect of the golf swing setup. This stance can help prevent stress and injury to the lower back, which is the most common type of golf injury in amateur golfers.
To achieve this, stand with your feet about shoulder-width apart. Hold your arms out in front of you so the shaft is parallel to the ground, and stand upright with your back straight. You can also lean from the pelvis to achieve a sixty-degree angle of the spine, strengthening the core and keeping pressure off your back.
It is important not to hunch over and reach out for the ball with your arms. Your arms should hang down naturally. To ensure this, the distance between your arms and thighs should remain constant.
Golf Top 100 Teacher Martin Hall recommends turning your chest instead of your shoulders during the backswing. This fully engages the torso and increases the potential power of the swing.
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Frequently asked questions
The distance you stand from the ball is dictated by the length of the club and your posture. The longer the club, the further you stand from the ball. You should not hunch over or reach out for the ball with your arms.
Stand with your feet about shoulder-width apart. Your stance will be widest for a driver and narrowest for a full wedge shot. The ball should be positioned forward in your stance, off the heel of your lead foot.
You should lean from the pelvis to achieve a sixty-degree angle of the spine. This strengthens the core and keeps pressure off your back. You should also bend your knees, with a slight drop in your spine to create an "S" shape in your back.
If you are standing too close to the ball, your hands will be tucked too close to your thighs, and you will feel cramped. This will restrict your arm movement and impact your swing.
