Set-Up Routine 101: The Place To Start

You probably have a basic idea of what golf is all about. Maybe you’ve caught a glimpse of a tournament on TV. Perhaps your friends or co-workers got you thinking about it. Now you want to give it a try. There is only one nagging question.

Where to begin?

Glad you asked. Too many newcomers think only in terms of the swing. In truth, it’s everything before the swing that determines how well you hit your shot. It’s all in the set-up—a routine that includes placing your hands on the club, aiming your clubface, aligning your body, positioning the ball and getting in the proper stance. Those are just a few minor details that could keep you from achieving duffer status.

Nothing causes a bad shot quicker than a poor grip. There are three common ways to hold the club: the overlap or Vardon grip (preferred), the interlock grip (for shorter fingers) and the 10-finger or baseball grip (mostly for youths).

The only distinction between each grip is the position of your right pinky (the left pinky for left-handed golfers). Determine which grip is most comfortable for you and then place your hands on the club firmly but not with excessive pressure.

The set-up routine begins even before you step up to the ball. Before every shot, develop a habit of standing several feet behind the ball. Look in the distance and establish your intended target. It can be a patch of grass or perhaps a tree branch beyond your target area.

The idea is to create a mental image of the path you want the ball to take. This image remains with you as you walk forward and place your clubface behind the ball. This process is known as aim and alignment, but this isn’t a car you’re about to drive.

The ball should be opposite your left armpit (the right armpit for left-handed golfers). Stand with your heels shoulder-width apart and your toes pointing slightly outward for stability.

Bend slightly forward at the hips, keeping your back straight. As you flex your knees, you should feel pressure on the front of your thighs. Adjust the clubhead just above the ground, behind the ball, to get comfortable.

In this square stance, you should reach the ball comfortably with the club. Many players mistakenly stand too far from or too close to the ball. The distance from your body to the handle end of the club remains constant for every club in your bag (except the putter): approximately a hand and a thumb away from your body.

Now, as you lower your eyes to the ball, you should be in the ideal position to start your swing. Let the fun begin!