Golf Pro Tip - Posture
How
important is posture?
After the grip, it is the second most important fundamental. How you
position your body before you swing is vital because it has a direct
influence on swing mechanics.
What
do golfers with good posture look like?
They are balanced. They look like they can move and stay in balance.
Their legs are flexed and their spine has no pronounced arch or
curve.
Their head is up away from their chest. While their left arm is
extended,
it is not locked in place. They look relaxed and ready to move.
What should I think about when I am checking my posture?
Ask yourself, “Is my weight evenly spread across the soles of
my feet?” as you address the ball. If your weight is evenly
spread,
you are in balance. Feel the flex in your legs and keep your back
flat
with your head up and away from your chest. There is no tension
anywhere
in your body.
Can
my clubs affect my posture?
Yes, they can. If you are serious about your game, ask your pro to
check
your clubs to find out if they are the correct length for you. Also,
ask your pro to check the lie angles of your clubs.
Can
I improve my posture ‘off course’?
Yes, you can. Refer to the ‘Two bends and a tilt’ part of
this lesson.
What
about the slope of the ground?
The slope you stand on does affect your posture. If the ball is below
the level of your feet you will have to flex your knees more to take
your address position. If the ball is above the level of your feet,
flex your legs less when you address the ball. If your left foot is
above your right you should flex your left leg a little more to
accommodate
the slope and vice versa.
Are
there any other checks for my posture?
Yes, your posture at the end of your swing can tell you a lot about
what was happening during it. Are you off balance at the end of your
swing? If you are, you may not have been in balance to start with.
Should I flex my legs when I putt?
Yes, because the flex will take some of the stress out of your lower
back.
Should
I feel stress or tension anywhere in my body?
No, you should not. At address, many golfers are aware of stress in
their arms and shoulders. Both should be relaxed.
What
about the position of my head?
Hold your head so that you look down your cheeks to see the ball.
Your
chin should be a good distance from your chest
Is
a mirror useful?
Yes, it is. You can check key angles of your posture. Compare
yourself
with the images included in this lesson. Golf Posture Lesson
