The Setup
My keyword for the Setup; GASP !!!
G- Grip
General
Grip as lightly as possible.
Light grip releases the club head for a draw.
Tighter grip restricts club head turn for a fade.
Keep grip pressure constant throughout swing.
Avoid tension in wrists and forearm.
Left hand
Hold club in base of fingers, anchored by heel pad of palm.
Left thumb slightly right from centre on top of shaft.
Grip pressure on last three fingers.
2 to 3 knuckles should be seen from the top.
Left hand to far left – slice
Tip:
Hold club parallel to body with right hand then take left hand grip.
Right hand
Right hand comes in from right side, palm angles to target line.
Grip pressure is on thumb and forefinger (forms the trigger).
Right hand provides power.
Thumb and forefinger V’s point to right shoulder.
1 knuckle should be seen .
Right hand to far right – hook.
A- Aim and Alignment
For accuracy see the small picture – Aim to a specific spot on the fairway or green.
Aim the clubface at the target, keep body parallel left of target line.
How:
Plan shot behind the ball – Visualize the ball flight and end.
Practice the shot in line with the target.
Aim clubface at intermediary target between ball and target on right foot.
Keep clubface square as manufacturer intended, aim bottom line of club at target.
Align shoulders, arms and hips square with clubface, body parallel left of target line.
Eye line influences swing path – also set eyes parallel with target.
(If eyes look right – Inside out wing, If eyes look left – Outside in swing.)
How:
Aim club first, then body and eyes parallel with intermediate target.
S- Stance and Ball Position
Driver - Under armpit (Tee higher for sweep shot)
Irons must contact ball before bottom of arc
1-7 - Logo on shirt
8-W - Left cheek
How:
Setup to ball with feet together – Ball in middle of feet.
Move foot to left and then other foot to the right.
Driver – Wide stance, to support bigger swing, ball forward for lower and shallower attack on ball
Short Irons – Narrower stance for steeper attack on ball.
P- Posture
Take up an athletic position with flexed knees, with weight on balls of feet.
Image: A tennis player waiting to receive ball, loose and in balance.
How:
Bend forward from hips, stick bottom out and don’t crouch.
Tilt spine slightly away from the target.
Keep sternum and head behind the ball.
Right arm slight lower than left and chin off chest.
Relax shoulders and arms, arms hang below chin.
Knees slightly flexed, feel tension in thighs and not in lower back.
The angle of spine remains constant, until well into follow through.
Feel weight on the balls of feet.
Distance form ball is determined by the club length.
With longer clubs, more upright and closer to ball and more bent over with shorter irons.