The Stance (Left Handed Golfers)

When we address the golf ball our body ie: feet, knees, hips & shoulders should all be positioned parallel to the intended target line. Note that we say parallel to the target line. If we address a golf ball and we are aiming at a flagstick some distance away, the line from the ball to the flagstick is the target line. Our body must therefore be aiming to the left of the flagstick parallel to this target line. Too many amateurs line up with their feet, knees etc aiming at the target, not parallel to it.

The distance between the inner point of the heels at address should be shoulder width when using the middle irons. The stance will be slightly narrower when using short irons and slightly wider when using longer irons and woods. The feet should be flared out slightly about 10 degrees to allow the body to freely rotate.

With middle irons, ie: 5 iron, 6 iron and 7 iron, position the ball approximately 1.5” from the centre of your stance towards the target. With long irons and fairway woods position the ball approximately 2.5" from the centre of your stance towards the target. The driver is played farthest forward in the stance and should be positioned about 1.5” inside the right heel.

Note that because the right heel is fairly hidden from the line of sight most amateurs tend to position the ball just inside the toes of the right foot. Because of the way that the feet are flared out this can mean that the ball is actually positioned 1” to 2” too far forward in the stance.

Your weight should be evenly balanced on the balls of the feet, not on the heels or toes. With short irons, your weight should be 60-percent on the right foot. For middle iron shots the weight should be 50/50 or equal on each foot. For your longest clubs, place 60% of your weight on the left foot. This will help you swing the club on the correct angle on the back swing


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