Welcome to Play Smart, a regular GOLF.com game-improvement column that will help you become a smarter, better golfer.
So, you want to become a more consistent golfer? It all starts with the fundamentals.
There’s a reason coaches are always harping on fundamentals. They’re the foundation for a solid golf swing, and if you don’t have a solid foundation, you’ll never be able to play consistent golf.
These basics are not “sexy” nor are they the most exciting things to work on. But if you dedicate yourself to learning them the right way, you’ll be well on your way to a much more sound golf game.
One such fundamental that is crucial is your setup, and in the video below, LPGA teaching professional Gia Liwski explains how you can find the best possible setup position for your swing.
How to find the right setup position
When finding the best setup position for your swing, it’s important to note that it will look a little bit different for everyone. Just like most things in the swing, there’s no one-size-fits all position that will work for everyone.
To find the position that is best for you and your body type, Liwski suggests doing a simple test. First, stand tall with your arms dangling and your hands flat on the front of your upper thigh. Now, start to push your hinge at the waist and start to push your hips back as your hands slide down the front of your legs.
Once your fingertips reach the top of your knees, stop and start to move your weight forward onto the balls of your feet. It should feel almost like you are getting ready to dive into a pool.
“This is gonna be especially important with your irons,” Liwski says. “It’ll get your shoulders turning a little steeper and get the club working steeper, which is what we want with the irons.”
From this position, you will be in a great position to put a solid swing on the ball and create crisp, ball-first contact.
By doing this test, you’ll soon find that your setup position may look a little different than your playing partners. Because of our body types, the amount we need to hinge forward will differ slightly from person to person. The key is finding the position that allows your arms to dangle freely in front of you while leaving the correct amount of room to make a solid and consistent swing.
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