Golf Set-up: Balance is Key

• Posted on Grant
• in Golf Fundamentals, Golf Set-up, Swing
• on October 30, 2013
• 6 Comments.

A few months ago I played in a tournament with a pro who was struggling. He spent most of his time in the desert looking for his ball, and limped his way to an 83. This was a talented pro whom I had seen shoot in the low 60’s before. What happened?? The day he shot 83, I noticed he was setting up too close to the ball. I couldn’t tell him this because it’s illegal to give advice to competitors, but I really wanted to. Both for his sake and the rest of our group; searching in a desert that is home to rattlesnakes is not my favorite past time. (I will save the rattlesnake stories for another time.)

The point of the story is this: How can you make sure to set up the right distance from the ball when your teaching pro is not there? The answer: Check your heel to toe balance. When I am set up properly, my shoulders hang a couple inches outside my toe line. (See pictures on right.) If someone were to push me lightly on my chest or back, I would not tip over either way.

With a little practice you can develop the feel to always be the right distance from the ball. Because of this important fundamental, your swing will hold up much better under pressure!

If this helped your golf set-up please let me know in the comment section below. Thanks!

GB