What a Good Set Up Routine Can Do for a Beginning Golfer

A set up routine in golfing is all those steps a golfer does before they actually hit the ball. It is not unusual to find golfers setting up, swinging, setting up, swinging, even as much as ten times before missing the ball, especially if they are a beginning golfer. What every experienced golfer knows is that confidence is required to hit a good shot. Any failure to swing and follow through is likely to result in a messed up shot. Here are the steps I use and why I use them.

Step One: A Golfer Should Point their Shoulder at the Target

The first thing a beginning golfer should do is point their shoulder at the target, i.e. the place that they would like their ball to land. Doing so should put them facing 90 degrees from that end location. Once the shoulder is pointed at the target, the golfer need not look at the target again.

Problem with Repeated Looks at the Target

Every time a golfer looks at the target, they quit looking at the ball. They move their head. Moving the head and failing to look at the ball almost guarantees a missed shot.

Step Two: A Golfer Should Position Themselves Around the Current Position of the Ball

Setting the golf club directly behind the current position of the ball, the golfer should hold the club end up at an angle where the base of the club is flat on the ground and the golfer can grab the club end as if one were shaking hands with the ball. The v between the thumb and index finger should sit centered on the shaft on both hands. Some golf professionals recommend linking the index finger of the upper hand with the small finger of the lower hand in order that the hands work in tandem.

Problem with Clubs Angled Incorrectly

If a golfer uses the club at an ineffective angle, the club is less likely to do the job it is intended to do. The correct job of a golfer is to bring the club head in contact with the ball in the most effective manner i.e about 45 degrees. That means letting the club do the work. Clubs that are at a low angle are a sign that the golfer is standing too far from the ball and is likely to hook the ball. Same for a too high angle. It means that the golfer is standing too close to the ball and is likely to slice the ball.

Problem with One Hand Over Powering the Other Hand

A golfer that allows one hand to over power the other hand is likely to either hook or slice the ball. The correct swing should act like a pendulum, falling from the top of the swing and pulling straight through. Visualizing this motion is a great way to think about the effectiveness of the golf swing.

Step Three: Taking the Practice Swing

A golfer should take only one practice swing because the purpose of the practice swing is to find the bottom of the swing.

The bottom of the swing should occur at the point that the club head would make contact with the ball. If the bottom of the swing is behind the ball, the ball will carry forward on a flat trajectory or will hit dirt and lose power or will top the ball. If the bottom of the swing is ahead of the ball, the golfer will miss the ball and whiff.

Optional Step Four: Adjusting Stance to Handle Uneven Lies

The main difference between golf shots at the driving range and at the tee or on the fairway is that the ground the ball lies on may be uneven, lie above or below the feet or have a rough, sanded surface from too many duffs. By finding the bottom of your swing on the previous step, you should know where to position your feet so that your club will connect with the ball. The one thing not tested is where you follow through will send the ball, given the lie. Swing as though you will hit the ball and at the top of the swing, halt with the club extended. Look down the length of the club to see where you are targeted. Uneven surfaces may throw you off center, to either the right or left. Adjust your stance so that you follow through actually points at your intended target, test for the bottom of the stroke and then you're ready.

Set Five: Hit the Ball

At this point, without looking at the target, hit the ball. When you watch your ball land, you should be pleased to find it lands on a line with your target.