5 Tips to Perfect Your Golf Stance

Renowned golfer Jack Nicklaus once stated, “If you set up right, there’s a good chance you’ll hit a decent shot, even with a so-so swing.”

Enhance your golf stance, and you might notice a significant change in your game. You can enjoy a top-notch golf experience instead of stressing over your performance. The correct stance empowers you to hit the ball with force and control its direction.

Here are some pointers to upgrade your golf stance:

Get the Right Stance Width

Your legs form the basis of your golf stance. Keep your knees slightly bent. Begin with your legs shoulder-width apart. This stance is suitable when using a mid-iron. Widen your stance for longer clubs like drivers or woods. For short irons or wedges, narrow your stance by an inch or two. A broad stance isn’t necessary for chipping or pitching shots.

Mind Your Toes and Feet

Toes also play a crucial role in your golf stance. Avoid angling them too sharply. The front foot should angle slightly outward toward your target. Turn your back foot at about a 90-degree angle from the target. Proper foot placement enhances your flexibility and the speed of your body rotation.

Maintain Your Balance

Distribute your weight evenly between your toes and heels. For more powerful shots, make a slight adjustment to your balance. For shorter irons and clubs, shift a bit more weight onto the foot closer to the target — typically the left foot for right-handed players. Middle iron shots should distribute weight equally between both feet. With long clubs, put a tad more weight on your back foot, which is the right foot for right-handed players. Maintaining proper balance also improves the angle of your backswing.

Posture is Key

Align the center of your upper spine, your knees, and the balls of your feet vertically. Your back knee should be slightly turned inward, pointing at the target. Don’t bend from your waist — engage your hips! You’ll feel a slight protrusion of your buttocks in the right stance. Your power is determined by how you turn your shoulders during the backswing. A straight spine results in longer drives and more consistent shots.

Ball Placement Makes a Difference

Ensure your arms aren’t too extended; they should hang down comfortably. Likewise, don’t keep your arms too close to your body. Find the right balance — not too far or too near the ball. Ball placement also varies according to the club you’re using. Position the ball in the middle of your stance for short irons. For longer clubs, move the ball about half an inch towards your front foot. For a driver, place the ball slightly inside the front foot. Ball placement matters due to the differing lengths of each club.