The square stance is when your feet are entirely parallel and square. Your left toes and right toes are resting on the same line. The open stance is where the body and feet are pointing towards the target. The close stance has the right foot dropped back and the toes sort of blocking the target out.
What does an open stance do on a golf ball?
Increase Spin. Because an open stance allows the hips to rotate earlier, the hips and hands are much farther forward at impact. This "lag" produces a powerful downward compression on the golf ball resulting in increased backspin. An open stance is ideal for shots around the green, in which you need to stop the ball quickly.
What is the difference between open stance and closed stance?
And regarding the swing path, an open stance will promote an outside-in swing path which will lead to a ball with left-to-right sidespin, a spin associated with fades or slices. A closed stance is one where the toe line is not parallel to the target line but is rather crossing it in front of the ball.
Is a closed golf stance right for You?
The closed golf stance can be an excellent solution for those struggling to release the ball; however, it is not for everyone. If you are still undecided as to whether a closed, open, or square stance is the best fit for your game, you are in the right place.
Is an open stance better in golf?
Putting with an open stance makes alignment much easier, and it allows you to have a better line to your target. Some golfers will not only set up with an open stance, but they will also look at the hole while they are putting. This method of putting has become quite popular through the years, and it is very effective.
Do any pros play with a closed stance?
Playing with A Closed Stance Put another way, the right foot is pulled back from the parallel target line and if a shaft was placed across the toes, it would point right of the target. Arnold Palmer and Sam Snead both set up with a closed stance, and a golfer electing to play this way would be in good company!
Why do I hit the golf ball better with an open stance?
6:448:37Open your stance for a better hip turn. - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou're also going to have a great deal more fun shaping the ball. If you can't control path and faceMoreYou're also going to have a great deal more fun shaping the ball. If you can't control path and face angle you can't shape the golf ball.
What happens when you open your stance in golf?
An open stance is one where the toe line – or again the heel line – is not parallel to the target line but will instead cross it behind the ball. What is this? In other words, the toe line of an open stance will be aimed at the left of the target.
Does a closed stance help with a slice?
An open stance can cause the golf slice. We recommend a square stance, but if you can't stop slicing your driver you can try a closed stance. A closed stance will promote a swing path that goes inside out and could help you hit straighter shots.
Is it OK to have a closed stance in golf?
The closed stance can help golfers that struggle to release the ball actually turn it over as they come through impact. In addition, the closed stance can also lower the ball flight. If the ball flight is a bit lower, you will also sometimes get some extra spin.
Can I hit a draw with an open stance?
Who should play with an open stance? Opening the stance does not limit the golfer to hit only a fade. Many golfers hit the ball with a draw from an open stance. It all depends on the clubface and swing path at impact and hence my previous comment on experimenting with these two elements to adjust ball flight and spin.
Should senior golfers use a closed stance?
Senior golfers should also play out of a slightly closed stance. This means your stance will be aligned slightly to the right of your target. This will also increase your backswing turn. The swings that last the longest are the long swings.
Is an open stance good for seniors?
The main reason for older golfers to use an open stance is to make sure the lower body is through the shot by the time the club reaches impact. If you start with a square stance, you might not be able to get your lower body past the ball in time to build up speed properly.
How do you hit a driver with an open stance?
2:594:55Learn swingpath from an open stance… - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd where i'm hitting it the aim and swing path it can really help to do this with a short wedgeMoreAnd where i'm hitting it the aim and swing path it can really help to do this with a short wedge shot if you do it over and over again you can feel that the club can go its own way from the inside.
What are the 3 stances in golf?
There are three basic stances that every golfer needs to know; they are the driver stance, the iron/hybrid stance, and the wedge stance. Although you can also have a different stance for putting, the putting stance comes down to more feel and preference than basic fundamentals.
What is a closed position in golf?
0:183:28Closed Stance Club Path Golf Drill - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOkay very common amazing posture in this skies. Back so you almost do a relaxing that back a littleMoreOkay very common amazing posture in this skies. Back so you almost do a relaxing that back a little bit you're quite a bolt straight but it's it's fine if you feel comfortable there stay there
What are the effects of an open stance on a golf club?
Effects. The first immediate effect of adopting an open stance is that it opens up the clubface relative to the swing line, which will increase the loft of the club . Ultimately this will lead to shots that are higher in altitude than what is normally associated with a given club.
What is an open stance in tennis?
An open stance is one where the toe line – or again the heel line – is not parallel to the target line but will instead cross it behind the ball. In other words, the toe line of an open stance will be aimed at the left of the target.
How to use square stance?
Square stance. In order to adopt a square stance you simply place both feet in a way that the toe line (and even better the heel line) is parallel to the target line. It is indeed better to use the heel line when setting up because that line is undisturbed by foot flaring – if any – which will change the toe line without impacting the stance.
What happens when you close your stance?
The immediate effect of closing your stance is that it closes the clubhead relative to the swing line, which decreases the loft of the club. Ultimately, this leads to balls that fly lower than what the club was designed for. Indeed, while the club is still square to the target line, it is closed relative to the swing line.
How are feet positioned relative to the ball?
In addition to how feet can be positioned relative to the ball or to each other, the feet can also vary in how they are positioned relative to the target line. The positioning of the feet in relation to the target line is called the stance and there are three main positions, which are explained below.
How to set up for an open stance?
How to Set Up Properly. In order to position yourself properly for an open stance you are best to adopt a square stance first. After adopting a neutral stance you can then move on to making the adjustments which simply involves lifting your left foot from the ground and withdrawing it slightly back . Then it’s simply a matter of rotating your right ...
Is the club still square to the target line?
Indeed, while the club is still square to the target line, it is closed relative to the swing line. The change in swing path will promote an inside-out swing that will be conducive to right-to-left sidespin, a type of spin associated with draws and hooks.
Why do you need a closed stance in golf?
Benefits Of A Closed Golf Stance. The benefits of the closed stance are most closely related to the fact that you won’t slice the ball when you are standing close to your target. The closed stance can help golfers that struggle to release the ball actually turn it over as they come through impact. In addition, the closed stance can also lower ...
What are the disadvantages of a closed stance in golf?
One of the disadvantages here is that the closed golf stance can be exaggerated and result in a hook. The hook is a rough shot to recover from and will almost always cause you to have to punch out of the trouble or take a penalty shot.
How does stance affect golf swing?
The stance can impact the alignment, distance, and launch angle of the shots. Depending on how you have your stance, your ball can fly higher or lower, it can fly a long way or lose distance, and you can cause the flight of the ball to go left or right as well. Golfers tend to get a bit too involved in some of their golf swing mechanics.
What does a golf stance mean?
The golf stance sets you up to hit golf shots. If your stance is aiming you left, you will hit the ball left; if it’s aiming you right, you will hit it right. Getting your stance correct can only mean good things for your golf game. When your stance is not right, you are going to have trouble with your takeaway and getting the swing on plane.
What is square stance?
What Is The Square Golf Stance. A square golf stance is the standard golf stance . This is where you stand with your feet, shoulder, hips, and clubface all parallel and all square directly to your target. This is the main stance in golf that all players should be using.
Why is stance important in golf?
The golf stance is such an important feature of the golf game. If your stance is not solid, you are going to end up having a hard time getting the club on the plane and completing a golf swing the way you would like to.
What does a closed stance look like?
The closed stance looks a lot like a golfer with the right foot (right handed golfer) dropped back. This is essentially the same thing but is the feeling that most golfers have when they set up with a closed stance. Their body is closed to the target.
3 Benefits of the Open Golf Stance
We have detailed 3 benefits to the golf open stance golf swing technique
Tips on How to Master the Open Golf Stance
To get the most out of an open stance, be aware of some essential tips for when you do your practice drill.
The Best Pro Players in History Have Perfected the Open Stance Golf Swing
One of the most enjoyable parts of learning the golf swing is the plethora of information available.
Should I set up to the ball with a square, open or closed stance?
All are acceptable and the proficient player will use all 3 in a round of golf, depending on the shot shape he wants to execute.
Swing Path
By closing the stance at address, the takeaway and swing path of the club should start inside the target line. This will set the downswing on an in-to-out path. Generally, the shoulders and hips will also be in a closed position which encourages this in-to-out swing through impact.
Clubface
Keeping the clubface square to the actual target line at address and through impact will impart sidespin to the ball and the ball will move from right to left in the air. Commonly known as a draw and a shot that many players have spent their entire golfing careers trying to achieve.
Ball Position
Playing with a closed stance will automatically move the ball slightly further back in the stance. This helps the takeaway and also promotes a draw bias. Experiment with the ball position to find the best position for consistent results.
Ball Flight
The sidespin will move the ball from right to left in the air and should end up on the target line. Initially, the ball will take off to the right of the target, and then curve back to the line where the clubface was pointing at address. This draw spin on the ball creates a penetrating flight, especially in windy conditions.
Trajectory
The clubface at impact from the in-to-out swing path, will not only generate a draw sidespin on the ball but will also determine the trajectory. The more closed the face is at impact, the lower the trajectory will be. Basically, the closed face reduces the loft on the club, resulting in a lower trajectory and ball flight.
Distance
The word all golfers love to hear and talk about. A golf ball hit with a draw bias will penetrate the air better, and will also roll out further on the fairway. Depending on the fairway conditions this can be fairly significant. 10 to 15 meters on the ground means hitting one club less into the green.
What is an open stance in golf?
An open stance is where the toe line of the golfer is aimed to the left of the target line. The club is typically aimed at the target, but the feet are aimed to the left. There is a variation in how open a golfer might be with an open stance. There are several advantages to the open stance in golf.
Which golfers play from a closed stance?
Two golfers that come to mind that played from a closed stance include Sam Snead and Arnold Palmer. The main point here is that there are many ways to swing a club. Find what works for you! The open stance might put int the best positions to have a repeatable and consistent golf swing.
What are the advantages of amateaur golf?
Advantage 1 – Allows the hips to clear. One struggle that many amateaur golfers have is that the hips do not properly clear. This can cause ground contact issues and potential loss of power. The other issue is that many golfers might over slide their hips. The open stance allows the golfer to swing free and easy.
Why do amateur golfers pull the club down?
Many amateur golfers pull the club down too hard at the top. The upper body moves first, causing an over the top swing that produces a slice. The open stance in golf can allow the golfer to be patient without worrying about getting through the shot.
Why do you put your hips in the open position?
With the open stance in golf, the golfer is put in a position where the body can properly clear and the hips can help accelerate the club through the hitting zone. This allows the golfer to maximize their power and let the swing go. Trying to manipulate the club as your hips are jammed up can be a bad recipe.
What is the most interesting thing about golf?
One of the interesting things about the game of golf is that one of hte fundamentals that is driven into your minds as beginners is that we must align like a railroad track. That everythign should be in line – the club, the shoudlers and the feet line.
What happens if you aim your club face along your feet line?
If you allow the club face to aim along your feet line, you might end up hitting a pull or a slice. Be aware of your feet line, shoulder line and club face line. It takes some concentration to make sure you stay on the path with an open stance in golf.
Why is a closed stance important?
A closed stance and an open stance are the most relevant in launching drivers and occasionally when shooting at intermediate distances only because one has little control over adjusting the target’s angle.
Why do you have to use a closed view in golf?
If your club swing’s obtuseness makes your club travel too far behind the target line, a closed view will work best for you. However, if you are a senior golfer, you should train your swing to match the open stance because you will make significant gains in the distance and lift by adopting an open view.
What happens if you swing from an obtuse angle?
If you swing from a very obtuse angle, you generate too much power at an angle that will be hindered by your trailside. If your club swings in more of a straight path alongside the target line, you have a lot of room to open up your stance.
What to do if you are held back by not hitting the right drivers?
If your games are held back by not hitting the right drivers earlier on, you have to open your stance a lot and get as much lift as possible , especially on bigger courses. On the other hand, if you start scoring too much around the fairway, you may need to open up your stance just a little bit.
How to add tens of yards in golf?
However, the insiders know that the secret to effortlessly adding tens of yards is open stance golf. For open stance golf, you need to first stand in the right position a few feet away from the ball and assume a square stance by placing both your feet next to each other and parallel to the target line.
How to cover a longer distance in tennis?
The best stance to cover a longer distance is an open stance. Let’s recap how you can open your stance. Start with enough distance between you and the ball. Make sure the ball is closer to your trail foot than your front foot. Assume a square stance. Bring your front foot as far behind as is required.
What is the natural way to launch a golf ball at a distance?
Natural to Physics. While your current stance may be natural to you, from the perspective of physics, the open view is the natural way to launch a golf ball at a distance if one wants the ball to have the right lift. This means that when you use your natural stance, you are fighting physics for distance.
What is closed stance golf?
The closed stance promotes an in to out club path, which promotes a draw as long as the face is closed to the path.
What does Shawn Clement believe about golf swings?
He believes that the setup and then swinging along that path will help you curve the ball in the correct direction. He promotes working the ball both ways and using the momentum and gravity of the club and swinging it in the proper direction.
How to hit a good golf shot?
Hands in the perfect spot on backswing. Lead with your lower body. Perfect position at the top of backswing. And on and on and on, you come to realize that there are many different ways to make your swing work. You don’t need all of those items above to actually hit good golf shots.
Do amateur golfers have the time to swing?
Might they help, of course, but in the world of amateur golf, there are many ways to make things work in the game of golf. The reality is that many amateurs do not have the time or the guidance to get the picture perfect looking swing and may even lack some of the physical requirements to look so good with the swing.
Can you hit a draw in golf?
For the golfer that never can hit a draw, this approach is worth a shot. As far as fundamental #3, you might be surprised the distance you can hit a golf ball by quieting down your body and relying on your arm swing, solid contact and some gravity in your swing.
Can you play golf with a closed stance?
Playing golf with a closed stance might work for you. In fact, you can control the three fundamentals listed above playing from a closed stance. Did you know that Arnold Palmer and Sam Snead, two of the greatest golfers of all time, actually aimed to the right?
Which golfer has an open clubface?
Webb Simpson has an open clubface with an extended wrist; Rory McIlroy is in a neutral position; Dustin Johnson has a closed clubface with a flexed wrist. (GETTY)
What direction should the lead hand be in a golf swing?
The lead wrist should be moving into flexion in the transition into the downswing; The lead hand should be moving into pronation (palm pointing toward the sky) through impact ; The head should remain “back” and the eyeline should remain on the back of the golf ball;
What does Mark Dobson do as a golf instructor?
As a golf instructor, Mark believes in cultivating ability and talent by providing comprehensive, holistic golf instruction that is easily understandable and of the highest quality to golfers of all abilities and skill levels.
Does Webb Simpson have an open clubface?
Webb Simpson has an open clubface with an extended wrist;
What is an open stance in golf?
An open stance refers to shifting the front foot slightly farther away from this target line. Taking an open stance serves several purposes, depending on your playing ability and desired shot outcome. Many famous golfers, such as Ben Hogan, Fred Couples and Jack Nicklaus, favored an open stance throughout their careers.
Why is an open stance better for golf?
Increase Spin. Because an open stance allows the hips to rotate earlier, the hips and hands are much farther forward at impact. This "lag" produces a powerful downward compression on the golf ball resulting in increased backspin. An open stance is ideal for shots around the green, in which you need to stop the ball quickly.
Why is the clubface left open?
Additionally, because the hips rotate earlier in the downswing and the clubface is left open, this also serves to "de-loft" the face of the club. This can help you hit the ball over trees and other obstacles.
How to prevent hooks and draws in golf?
Prevent Hooks. Just as an open stance will help open the clubface and cause you to fade or slice the ball, this stance will also help prevent hooks and draws. Opening your stance promotes a more outside-in swing path, in which the club is taken back away from the body and then drawn back in during the down swing.
Why do you open your stance?
The main purpose of opening your stance is to open the clubface through impact. As you open your stance, your hips will rotate through the impact zone earlier, causing the hips and hands to be far ahead of the golf ball at impact. This will help you fade or slice the ball, which is critical on dogleg holes or to curve the ball around hazards.
Does opening your stance prevent hooks?
This will help produce left-to-right spin and prevent hooks. However, opening your stance is not an ideal method for preventing chronic hooks, as a mistimed outside-in swing will produce the dreaded pull hook.
