I truly believe that if your setup is right, you will not only hit the ball more consistently, but your misses will also be much more playable.
In fact, you can often tell where a shot is going before the player even swings just by looking at the setup.
If you don’t have a consistent setup routine, you’re likely to be very inconsistent and leave a lot of good shots (and strokes) on the table.
If you are someone who struggles with setup, follow the five tips below.
1. There are many good installation options
The good news? You decide which routine works best You. Ideally, you’ll work with your instructor to build one that suits your inclinations and goals.
Watch golf on TV and you’ll notice that even though the best players in the world may look different in the way they line up, they all do it the same way every time. Once they establish their routine, there is very little variety. That’s the key to consistency.
2. Keep the club sheet in mind
Once you’ve made your practice swing and chosen your target, the first step in your setup should always be aiming at the clubface.
Position the club head behind the ball so that the clubface is pointing directly toward your target, with the ball centered on the clubface. As you do this, look back and forth between the club face and the target. This is an easy way to improve your aim and start the swing in the right direction.
3. Hands first? Or club first?
You have two options here, and either can work.
You can:
- Place the club first and then place your hands on the handle. Make sure you position each hand correctly.
- Or place your hands first and then place the club behind the ball.
I often recommend the hands-first method if you have trouble with your posture. By first gripping the club, then stepping in and bending from your hips, you can achieve better posture and balance, allowing your arms to hang more naturally and improving contact.
4. Don’t forget your feet
Once your club and hands are set up, it’s time to adjust your feet. Great setups are made here.
Determine your feet:
- Distance from the ball: If you are too close, you will likely shoot from the heel or hit behind the ball. If you go too far, you tend to hit the toe or the ball.
- Ball position: If you are too far back you can push or make thin shots. Too far forward, and you’ll pull or hit them thick.
- Alignment: Your toes should form a line approximately parallel to the target of your clubface.
When you see great players gently “intervene” before each shot, now you know why: There’s a lot of calibration going on at that moment. This is the true art of a great installation routine.
5. Determine your goal
Every great setup includes a clear system for aiming the face and aligning the body.
Some players prefer to stand behind the ball, choosing a intermediate goal a few feet in front of it, and align at that spot. Others use theirs body lines in relation to the goal and enter from the side.
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