A couple of beginner questions

[tibs]

Hi,

I've just started playing and had a couple of questions for any wise heads out there.

Is the point of release the same for all clubs?

Is there a rule/guidline for how the distance between your feet should vary for each club?

Thanks!

 

[Parmo]

Not sure on question 1 but 2 I step my left foot 2 or 2 1/2 inches to the left of the ball and shoulder width and maybe a little more with the right foot for a driver and bring the right foot in as the clubs go higher.

 

[pjaz]

Not sure about 1, but yes for 2 and also a different ball position to consider.

Get a few copies of the GM mag or go on the main site and see some of the instructional items on there.

Good luck.

 

[birdieman]

Tricky question, I would think the release point would be the same for all your irons if you have a nice consistent swing as the swingweight will be the same for the set i.e. average D2 for men, release could maybe be a little later for the driver - the driver is lighter than the irons so you could lag the clubhead a little longer before whipping it through i.e. a later release, maybe that's baloney I'm not sure to be honest!!

 

[toonarmy]

No rules I'm afraid. Some players prefer to keep the ball in the same spot and move the right foot progressively in, others like to move the ball about in the stance.

Do what's comfortable for you and produces the most consistent strikes.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

I was taught as a junior to play every shot from opposite the left breast and narrow or widen the stance as appropriate. However after having lessons last year the modern way of teaching seems to favour moving the ball in the stance (middle for wedges and progressively towards the left heel as you go up the clubs).

The way I have found of achieving a fairly consistent set up it to address the ball with the club face facing the target with feet together and then make the stance from there

 

[TonyN]

I play 8,9,pw,sw,lw with ball in middle of stance and club sits just behing middle. Ensures you strike the ball on the down swing.

5,6,7 with the club in the middle of stance and ball is slightly forward of centre.

rescue, 4,5 under my left eye to sweep them away and driver on inside of left heel to catch on the up swing.

 

[RGuk]

I would say that for someone struggling to find the correct place for the ball, you might like to try the method Homer recommends. Start with your feet together; if you are playing a short iron, move your feet equidistant to either side to shoulder's width. For a mid iron move the right foot towards the target a few inches (3 or 4) then move your left one away to a shoulder's width. For a driver, move your left foot only a nudge (1 inch?) turn the toe out a few degrees (but not too "penguin") and move the left foot away to a tad over shoulder's width. Starting with the feet together is certainly the way to go, that helps you start knowing the ball is dead centre.

 

[Slaighty]

For ball position in stance try this. Address ball. Now look at the target and do not take your eyes off it. Do not look back at the ball. Stand back up and then assume your address posture again, letting your arms hang relaxed, feeling the weight slightly favouring the ball of your foot. Now look to see where the clubhead is in relation to the ball. Bet its not right behind it?

 

[medwayjon]

All I can say is, get a lesson, get a lesson, get a lesson.

I did exactly this, and still do occasionally. To me it is the most essential part of taking up the game.

I went for a range practice today and there was a poor sod who didn't hit a good shot out of 120 balls. He asked my advice and when I said it was imperative that he get a lesson he said that it would be a waste of money. To be at his level after 6 months was shocking for me, I said that 1/2 hour with Finlay and he would be hitting ok shots.

 

[Parmo]

It all depends on the player, if you have no idea and can not hit the side of a barn door then lessons, if you already know a bit or can self teach then in all fairness some people do not need lessons.

Routine is one of the most important things you need, I generally do this:-

1 - Stand behind ball and picture the ball flight and target, then pick a small target in front of the ball ( a divot, old tee, mark in the grass).
2 - Take my grip and feel relaxed with that
3 - Aim the club face to the target made on #1
4 - Align my body and take my stance
5 - find my foot balance and waggle the club to relax my hands.
6 - Think how white the ball is and just not take my eyes off it.

and let it rip.

Everyone has different approaches to it but is something that stops the swing thoughts creeping in and should make the swing a subconscience process, it works for me (mostly lol)

 

[viscount17]

Foot position the pro calls little step - bigger step. Small step with left foot, right foot to shoulder width, wider for driver and woods.

My routine is getting longer, though in fairness to the pro much is to correct my prediliction for the reverse pivot and to get my chin off my chest - apparently a common problem with those who wear glasses. However, last night at the range I added a bit more, which I had read in Zen Golf.

Having settled into the stance and keeping eyes on the ball, raise the left arm shoulder high and point at the 'target'. Now slowly turn the head to sight down the left arm.
I was miles off the line I thought I was on - club head facing one way, body another - no wonder I was erratic.
So re-align, re-check, settle in, swing and I hit some of the best (and longest) shots ever - 20 to 30 yards more off a 5-iron!