Understanding the Proper Golf Stance
How to Properly Hold the Golf Club
Understanding the proper golf stance is crucial because if you set up incorrectly, you are most likely going to make a poor motion in your golf swing. The best golf stance starts with holding the club properly. When holding the golf club, ensure it is gripped in the fingers, with the thumbs positioned on the opposite side of the center line of the grip. In this proper setup, you should be able to see two or three knuckles of your top hand. Mastering these golf stances forms the foundation for a consistent and effective swing, significantly enhancing your overall performance on the course.
Weight Distribution and Stance Tips
Next, we focus on our weight distribution. This will change for different shots and lies, but for a flat lie, mid-iron shot, evenly distributed weight between both feet is best. After the weight is evenly distributed, think about getting into an athletic stance. Golf is an athletic sport, so we need to set up as an athlete. Our knees are slightly bent, which allows our upper body to bend forward from the waist. If this is done correctly, you should feel the weight in the balls of your feet, and the butt end of the club pointed to your lead hip.
Understanding these golf swing basics allows your body to move correctly, which hopefully leads to more birdies on your next round. Next, we'll learn how to transition from this basic setup to the three standard golf stances and when each is best used.
Imagine your perfect stance and flawless swing.
Solid footing, confident posture—what more could you ask for?
The Standard Golf Stances
Neutral or Square Stance
Get in your setup position with the ball teed up. Imagine an invisible line running from one big toe to the other. Now imagine a line running from your ball to your target. A neutral stance (also called a square stance) simply means that your toe line is parallel with the ball line. Beginner golfers often start out in a neutral stance so they can get a feel for their swing.
Open Stance
To achieve an open stance, start square, and then shift your front foot slightly away from the ball while keeping your feet parallel. This opens up an angle between your toe line and the ball line. An open stance increases the club's loft and can make fade and slice spins more likely. An open stance is best used when playing uphill, as this makes it easier to rotate toward the target. You can also clear your hips more easily with an open stance. More people prefer an open stance to a closed stance because it often results in better alignment, and increased flexibility and mobility.
Closed Stance
To get a feel for your closed stance, start in the square stance and move your front foot a little closer to the ball. Keep your feet parallel to each other. Your toe line will intersect the ball line and run to the right of your target. A closed stance decreases club loft, resulting in a lower-flying ball that is more likely to draw or hook. A closed stance can allow you to hit the ball a further distance if you often slice the ball with an open or neutral stance.
Sort Out Your Stance at Treetops
When it comes to golf, everybody is different, and each golfer has their own preferences. If you're looking for ways to make your game more competitive, experiment with these different stances to figure out which one is best for you.
Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned player, our PGA Professionals offer group lessons and private instruction at flexible times to fit your schedule. And with five championship golf courses on the property, you'll have plenty of opportunities to put your new skills to the test. Book your lesson at Treetops Resort today and start playing your best golf.
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