The basics of the golf swing - set up

As a beginner, intermediate, or advanced golfer, it is always important to go through a proper set up. Some important parts of a set up include your grip, stance, and ball position. 

There are three common grips that are taught. The type of grip you will use is personal preference. There are different aspects of all these grips, however a couple things will remain the same with all of them. The thumb position for every grip should be the same or close to the same. You want your thumbs to be pointing straight down the grip of your club to the club head. The top hand should have your thumb tucked into the arch in your other hand. Although the way you grip the club will change, this is the general parameter or where you want your thumbs in the grip. The other aspect that remains the same is where you grip your club in your hands. You want the grip to rest more in your fingers than your palms. This is because you can have more freedom while swinging and not have your club stuck in your palms. 

Interlocking Grip

We use the interlocking grip.

For a right handed golfer, you will place your left hand on top and right hand below and interlock your pinky on your right hand and index finger on your left. This will be the opposite for a left handed golfer, the right hand on top and left hand on the bottom.

Overlap Grip

The second grip is the overlap grip. Hand position is the same but instead you will overlap the pinky on your right hand with your index finger of your left hand. This will be the opposite for the left hand again.

Baseball Grip

The third grip is a ten finger grip or a baseball grip.

 his one has your hands stacked on top of each other, like you would be holding a baseball bat. 

You can play around with what grip you like the best and what feels the most comfortable! 

Your stance may not seem as important but it will help increase your balance, power and stability throughout the entirety of your swing. We describe this as an “athletic” stance. Your feet should be at least shoulder width apart to increase balance in your posture. You should have a slight bend in your knees to help with stability. You need to hinge at the hips to help with your swing path. Your club will rest of the ground better. Your arms should hang comfortably from this position and then that is where you should have your club resting in your grip. This is the optimal stance to help with stability, power and balance throughout your swing.

Iron Ball Position

The last set up piece that we will discuss is the ball position. Ball position is important for set up because it helps your club contact the ball where it is supposed to be without adding more stress to get it there yourself.

For wedges up to your mid irons (7-6) you want the ball position to be in the middle of your stance.

Driver Ball Position

For your driver, a ball position off of your front toe (left foot for right handed golfer) is the optimal position. This is because you want to be swinging up with your driver so you are getting more height out of your shot. By moving your ball position forward then you are helping swing up at it without feeling that you have to force it! Golf is a hard sport so why not help yourself while you can?! With your irons, you want to still be swinging down slightly when you contact your ball so you contact your ball then grass. This is why you keep your ball position back a bit so you can help yourself have this feeling without forcing it. 

Are you ready to go out to the course and take these set up tips with you to crush your golfing goals?! We are excited to see all of you out there! We want to hear from you what your favorite grip to use. Message us with all your comments and questions! We love hearing from you guys!