DELO’S DIVOTS: If you want to have a good sturdy house, you need
a good foundation. The golf swing is no different.
If you want to have a good sturdy house, you need a good foundation. The golf swing is no different.
You can’t expect to fundamentally execute a good golf swing if your stance is not proper. There are a few components of a proper stance such as width, weight distribution and alignment.
The width of your stance varies a little depending on the different clubs but should never be wider than shoulder width with the driver. Then, as the clubs get a little shorter, you can narrow your stance slightly. When you get to your wedges, your stance should be 4-6 inches narrower than it was with the driver. When chipping, your feet should only be about 6-8 inches apart.
Your weight should be distributed on the inside of the legs. The sensation during the backswing is that you are squeezing your knees together. Thus, your weight will never roll to the outside of your foot where it gets stuck, and you can’t transfer the weight back to make a good swing. Once the weight is on the outside of the back foot, you must first transfer it to the inside, then push off to drive through the ball. Just keep it on the inside as you make your backswing, and you will have a good chance of achieving the swing you want.
The final fundamental with the stance is alignment. Too many people set up with their feet aiming to the right of their target. Contrary to what most people think, that it well help cure their slice. This actually promotes a cut across or slice swing. Open your stance so your feet are aiming at your target of slightly left. It is much easier to get your lower body involved that way.
