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I wanted to continue my in-depth discussion on the fundamentals of the golf swing. I’ve mentioned in past articles the importance of golf’s basic fundamentals. To be successful in any sport or anything else in life, there needs to be a strategic plan of attack. Remember, great journeys ALWAYS begin with the first few steps. Last month I wrote a little bit about the GRIP, it’s importance, and how to put your hands on the club in an easy and efficient way. This month I want to talk about the STANCE in the golf swing. That is, specifically, the role the feet play in the setup and eventual swinging of the golf
club.
The late, great Ben Hogan wrote a book that has stood the test of time on the topic of his fundamental keys to a consistent golf swing. Entitled, “Hogan’s Five Lessons,” Hogan went through all the basics that we’ve addressed in our newsletters, and which the PGA and CPGA have based many of their golf teachings on. The reason I mention this book is because there were a few lines that really struck me with respect to the stance.
These lines made a cataclysmic difference in my swing and golf game:
Quote 1 - “The proper stance and posture enable a golfer to be perfectly balanced and poised throughout the swing.”
Quote 2 – “THERE IS ONE CORRECT BASIC STANCE: THE RIGHT FOOT IS AT RIGHT ANGLE TO THE LINE OF FLIGHT (targetline) AND THE LEFT FOOT IS TURNED OUT A QUARTER OF A TURN TO THE
LEFT.
The first quote tells us how important a role the feet play in making a nice, balanced swing. The second quote tells us HOW to place our feet in such a way so that we can physically put ourselves in a stance that allows for that fluid, solid, and balanced swing.
Below is a picture of not only what Hogan was talking about in the second quote above, but how the stance changes in width depending on what club you are using. For example, the stance will be shoulder width for a pitching wedge, a little bit wider for a 5 iron, and a little bit wider still for a Driver. As well, notice that only the back foot
moves.
If you pay more attention to the placement of your feet, and continue working hard towards a SQUARER right foot, and a MORE OPEN left foot (of course reversed for those lefties out there), you will notice huge gains in how your swing feels, and more importantly how straight your shots
go!!
Andrew
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