GCC Golf School Tip: Posture

Good posture is a simple and often overlooked golf swing fundamental. The angles formed by your spine, shoulders and neck at setup define the quality of swing you make. A golfer with a sloppy posture will more often than not have an erratic golf swing. The golfer who stands too erect at address will often have a golf swing that creates a steep angle of attack.

Why does good golf swing posture matter?

The spine column is the central axis around which your golf swing rotates. Therefore, the angles that your spine forms define the angles and motions of your overall golf swing.

Posture with too much slouch

A slouched golf swing is one that is defined by a curved spine and sagging shoulders. The spine has a curved look with very little structure or form.

The picture to the right shows a golfer with a slouched posture. Notice the exaggerated spine curvature and sagging shoulder.

By virtue of the shoulders being low, the hands are also very low - almost down to your knee caps!

A slouched posture makes it very difficult to make a good golf swing. Without having a defined spine angle, the swing has nothing to turn around. This often leads to a golf swing that produces inconsistent shots.

Some golfers who slouch aren't lazy. They are just not fit for their clubs. They have to bend over just to reach the grip on their club. If you have tried to set up correctly and find yourself in a slouching posture, it is time to schedule a club fitting. If your clubs are too short, adding length will allow you to set up correctly.

Posture That Is Too Erect

While not as serious as the slouch, the golfer who stands too tall will certainly have trouble repeating their golf swing. The straight spine angle often leads to a golf swing that produces a steep angle of attack, often called "Coming Over The Top".

The picture to the right is of a golfer who is standing too tall at address.

A rigid posture leads to a very rigid swing. Without adequate bend in the knees and waist, there's very little chance of making the correct turn during the back swing.

Most upright golfers are very analytical in their setup. Sure angles, are very important. But equally important is having a posture that is athletic. Bending a little more would make a big difference in distance and direction.

Correct Golf Swing Posture

The ideal posture is neither too relaxed nor too upright. Bend from your waist and try to keep your spine as straight as possible. Your weight should now be on the balls of your feet. This makes for a power full and athletic golf swing posture.

To master the correct golf posture, it's easiest to start without a club. First, stand with your arms to your sides. Next, bend from your waist until your arms are hanging freely from your shoulders. There should be some space between your arms and legs. Now, bend your knees slightly so the weight is on the balls of your feet and clasp your hands together. You now have perfect golf posture! Repeat this drill a few times to get the feel of the correct set up. Then try the drill a few times with a club in your hand. You are now on your way to setting up correctly, which will lead to longer and straighter golf shots.

Closing

In summary, having the correct posture will help you hit more consistent shots, which will, in turn, lower your scores. Thank you for reading this month's golf tip; I wish you a safe and happy holiday season.