I know we are all looking for that one swing key that is going
to produce a better golf shot. However, all the keys in the world
won’t help if you don’t have a proper set up position before you
swing at the ball.
I know we are all looking for that one swing key that is going to produce a better golf shot. However, all the keys in the world won’t help if you don’t have a proper set up position before you swing at the ball.
I often tell my students, if a major league pitcher has his foot on the pitching rubber, glove in his left hand, ball in the right and he is staring in at the catcher, he has a pretty good chance of throwing a strike. Now, take the same athlete, put the glove and ball in opposite hands, switch feet on the rubber and have him look away from the catcher … is he still going to throw
a strike?
Heck no. Because he isn’t properly set up anymore to allow his swing to flow.
A proper set up comprises grip, stance, posture and alignment. Grip the club so you can see one or two knuckles of your left hand, and so that your left thumb is covered by your right hand. Extend your left arm and relax your right. The right elbow should be slightly bent and in toward your waist. Keep your feet shoulder width apart, rear out and flex your knees. Your weight should be evenly distributed. The points of your shoulders should be aimed at your target.
You are now ready to execute that perfect swing. With everything ready to go you have a much better chance of hitting that ball the way you want to.
Don DeLorenzo is a PGA-certified instructor at Gilroy Golf Course. To schedule a lesson, call Gilroy GC at 848-0490.
