In this Monday Mulligan we are going to look at the setup. The setup is the last thing your daughter does before she actually starts the golf swing. It begins when she addresses the ball, that is, places the club behind the ball and sets her stance. The swing actually begins when your daughter takes the club backward, away from the ball. The results she gets from any given swing are dependent on a number of factors, but the ability to get good results starts with a correct setup. (photo jennleforge.com)
Depending on your daughter’s skill level, she may have different setups for different shots. For today’s purpose let’s take the most common and correct setup. What are the factors involved:
1. feet proper distance apart, shoulder width for most shots
2. ball proper distance from player, usually arms hang under the chin
3. ball in correct position between feet, 7-iron in middle between feet
4. correct grip
5. shoulder, hips and knees all square to each other
6. knees slightly flexed
7. rear end sticking out…no soft way to say this…for good center of gravity and balance
8. keep chin up, look at ball with eyes, not head
9. and there are a million more setup hints, but this is enough for now
In the Barclay’s, finished yesterday, Peter Kostis, network TV analyst and legendary golf instructor, had some significant insights into some of the player’s setups. On Friday when Jordan Spieth was having his second poor round, leading to his not making the cut, Kostis analyzed his swing, beginning with Jordan’s setup: “Jordan’s feet are closed and his shoulders are open and that setup does not result in good golf shots.” So the #1 player in the world got his setup out of alignment and was unaware of it. Even the best have moments like this. (Peter Kostis photo I.cdn.turner.com)
Yesterday Kostis took a look at Sang-moon Bae’s setup. “His shoulders, hips, and knees are in beautiful alignment and he is hitting some excellent shots” commented Kostis. Bae was having a very good tournament and a big part of his success was a proper setup.
Mom and Dad, the setup is the one and only time in the golf swing process that your daughter has 100% control over the situation. Learning the correct setup and feeling the proper positions are critically important. Without this, the chances of hitting good golf shots are very poor.
So, go back to basics. Check out the setup. Once you are both happy with it, fire away!
See you on #1 tee, and let’s see a good setup… Sam
Parenting Junior Golfers... 