Open Stance in Golf – 5 Tips
- Square up the club face
- Monitor your club path
- Hit a draw of fade
- Feel the left hip move backward
- Be Patient
How to play 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. You need to shift your front foot behind your trail foot so you are open to your target.
What is an open stance and why would you use it?
Golfers with limited hip movement will benefit greatly from an open stance position, as the hips are already set slightly open at address. Clearing the hips on the downswing is a basic fundamental of golf, and accuracy and distance will be improved. When should an open stance be used on the course?
What is the advantage of closed stance in golf?
Since the closed stance also allows a bit more room for a player to take the club inside and shallow, the plane becomes more conducive to a hook or draw shot.
Is an open stance in golf OK?
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.
What is the difference between an open and closed stance in golf?
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. Each of these stances is different, and they will impact the way that the golf ball flies.
How do you hit an open stance in golf?
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.
Can you draw the ball 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.
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!
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.
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.
Why do I hit the golf ball better with my feet together?
Swinging with your feet together forces your weight into a more stable spot, similar to the one-footed putting drill we wrote about recently, improves the bottom of their arc, and only results in a slight loss of distance. “90 percent of players would be better playing with their feet together.
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.
Why can't I hit a draw?
0:538:2495% of golfers DON'T hit a DRAW | Do this & hit a TRUE DRAW - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipEspecially if your alignment's. Off so make sure the alignment's good and then understand that yourMoreEspecially if your alignment's. Off so make sure the alignment's good and then understand that your draw is going to start off to the right and curve back towards your target. So that's the external.
How do you hit a driver consistently?
3:339:24HOW TO HIT DRIVER CONSISTENTLY - EASY DRILLSYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo by getting the face aiming square in the body aiming square. The brain will actually feel aMoreSo by getting the face aiming square in the body aiming square. The brain will actually feel a little bit more comfortable. To let the club release down towards the target.
How can I hit my golf ball further?
2:2710:26How to Hit the Ball Further in Golf with an EASY GOLF SWING - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFirst get that sense of snap. Before we work onto step number two get the feeling of this breaking.MoreFirst get that sense of snap. Before we work onto step number two get the feeling of this breaking. System simple way to do. This. Start with a slight narrow stance. Make a step. And then a whip.
What are the three stances in golf?
Square stance: Both your feet are positioned next to each other and are parallel to the target line.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
Which shot shape is better, a fade or a draw?
Neither is better than the other, and top players around the world can execute either shape but will have a preference due to varying factors. Tiger and Dustin play most of their shots with a fade, while Rory and Jason Day play draws. All are extremely long off the tee and generate tremendous club head speed at impact.
What does Open stance golf mean?
Opening the stance at address means withdrawing the left foot back from the intended parallel target line. In simple terms, if a shaft were placed across the toe lines of both feet at address, it would point left of the target line.
Swing Path
It does not really matter how the clubhead is taken back from the address position, but to create an out-to-in path on the downswing, is most important. The best move is to take the club back outside the parallel target line, and then continue on this path through the impact zone.
Clubface
It is important to remember that the ball will end up on the clubface line at address. Keep the clubface facing straight down the parallel target line, and swing the club from out-to-in. This out-to-in swing path is the most common among all golfers, so it may be much easier to accomplish for many.
Ball Position
By opening up the stance, the ball position will automatically move slightly forward towards the left foot. The shoulders will also tend to open up and concentrate on swinging the club on this path. Try various ball positions to find what works consistently best.
Ball Flight
The out-to-in swing path will deliver side spin on the ball and move it from left to right in the air, but will finally finish up on the parallel target line. A fade is a great shot in golf for many reasons and I will elaborate under the control heading.
Trajectory
The ball will be launched higher than normal due to the forward position of the ball. In other words, the ball is struck on the upswing and the left to right sidespin creates lift, producing high flying shots. The ball will stay in the air longer, which increases carry and distance.
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.
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.
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 to set up your feet properly?
How to Set Up Properly. You first position your feet for a closed stance by setting up in a normal, square stance. Then it is simply a matter of lifting your left foot from the ground and advancing it forward while rotating around your right foot. Finally, you move your right foot slightly in order for it to rest comfortably on ...
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 ...
Benefits Of A Open Golf Stance – How It Compares To A Closed Stance
The challenge with golf is that numerous factors impact our swing and performance that it can be difficult to identify where you are going wrong.
How Is Your Stance Going To Affect Your Performance?
David Leadbetter explains that your stance has a direct impact on your swing path.
Overview Of Open Vs Closed are Golf Stance
The open vs closed golf stance are two of three stances golfers use when approaching the ball.
What Is The Open Stance?
In this article on the Benefits Of A Closed Golf Stance, we explained that an open stance occurs when you set up aiming to the left of the target, as a right-hander, and to the right of it for lefties.
What Are The Benefits Of The Open Stance?
An open stance gives you more freedom to rotate your hips and accelerate through impact, which helps to increase your back leg drive for maximum power at impact.
What Are The Disadvantages Of An Open Stance?
If you swing over the top and can’t get your clubface into the correct position at impact.
What Is The Closed Golf Stance?
Contrary to an open stance, where right-handers aim to the left of their target.
Why is it important to play wedge shots from an open stance?
Smith advises playing wedge shots from an open stance because “you won’t have time to get your left side out of the way” if you take a short backswing from a normal stance.
How to move your foot back in golf?
Step 1. Assume a normal stance , with both feet in line with the target, then move your front foot back a few inches. The exact distance to move your foot back will depend on your comfort level and swing mechanics. It’s a good idea to do your experimenting at the driving range to determine the foot positioning that works for you.
What is Bubba Watson's stance?
Bubba Watson uses an open stance during the 2010 Ryder Cup. A golf stance is square if your toes are on a line parallel to your target line -- forming what might look line railroad tracks. To open your stance, adjust your feet so the line points farther left (for a righthanded golfer).
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.
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.
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 ...
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 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.
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.