A closed stance means that the feet or toe line are not parallel to the target line, but face to the right of the intended target. 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.
What is a closed golf stance?
The closed golf stance involves your feet being on a parallel line that is aimed to the right of your target. Your shoulders and your hips will also be on this line.
What is the correct stance for hitting the golf ball?
Your shoulders and your hips will also be on this line. The closes stance can look a bit like you are trying to hit the ball right of the target; however, the target line and clubhead are still pointed straight at the pin.
What happens if you close your stance on a club?
Effects. 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.
Should you close your stance when you slice the ball?
When you slice the ball, you have a hard time getting the club to turn over, and your body and club are left open to the target at impact. If a golfer is able to slightly close their stance, they will have no trouble getting the club to turn over and the ball to fly towards the target.
How do you fix a closed stance in golf?
1:555:51CHANGE YOUR GOLF STANCE FOR SOLID CONTACT - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThen room to swing into this area here which is absolutely essential if you want to change yourMoreThen room to swing into this area here which is absolutely essential if you want to change your swing plane. So brilliant. From a playing point of view anything else only what about rotation.
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.
Do any pro golfers use a closed stance?
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! They are two of the most winning golfers in PGA history! The point is, no one stance is the right stance in golf, and golfers should test them all to find the best one suited to their swing.
How do you open your stance in golf?
6:498:37Open your stance for a better hip turn. - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSet yourself up and have a look where your shoulders are pointing because that's where you'reMoreSet yourself up and have a look where your shoulders are pointing because that's where you're swinging the golf club. As long as you allow your body to bow.
How do I keep my club face closed?
4:086:03HOW TO FIX AN OPEN CLUB FACE AT IMPACT - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo let me show you that little drill again and just notice the end position that I achieve. AndMoreSo let me show you that little drill again and just notice the end position that I achieve. And where the club shaft is relative to my lead arm.
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.
Should my golf stance be open?
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.
Should putting stance be open?
The open stance makes it easier to feel the left hand going out and down the target line. The forward lean offsets the 4 degrees of loft I recommend for a putter and helps the ball roll smoothly.
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.
Did Jack Nicklaus have an open stance?
Many famous golfers, such as Ben Hogan, Fred Couples and Jack Nicklaus, favored an open stance throughout their careers.
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.
Where should my ball be in my stance?
The simple rule – the longer the club, the further forward (towards your left foot) the ball should be in your stance. For example, when hitting a 3-iron or hybrid, the golf ball should be near your left foot. In contrast, an 8-iron shot would be closer to the middle of your stance.
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.
What does closed stance mean?
: a stance (as in golf) in which the forward foot is closer to the line of play than the back foot — compare open stance.
How do you hit a fade with a closed stance?
0:332:39Golf Fade Lesson: How to Properly Setup Your Golf Stance in Order to ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd then curve. Back if the ball starts left. And then goes left that means the clubface is closed IMoreAnd then curve. Back if the ball starts left. And then goes left that means the clubface is closed I got to keep the clubface open a little bit more let the ball tell you what the path of your club.
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.
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 ...
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.
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 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.
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.
How to set your foot on a golf club?
To set your feet correctly, simply: Align your clubface along your target line. Line up your trail foot first so that it matches the leading edge of your clubhead, and set it in place. Once you are comfortable, set your lead foot down so that it is in line with your trail foot.
How to practice lining up golf shots?
How do I practice lining up golf shots? The best way to practice lining up golf shots is to use an alignment stick. Place the stick on the ground along your intended target line as a visual aid when at the driving range, or during on-course practice, and then align your clubface, feet and shoulders accordingly.
How to know if your clubface is square to your target?
Set-up over the ball so that your clubface is pointed down your target line. Focus on the leading edge/bottom groove of the golf club (this is easier to do with an iron or wedge) and make sure it forms a 90-degree angle with your target line. If you have done this, it means your clubface is square to your target.
How to align your feet to your target line?
There are three key steps to correctly aligning yourself to your target in golf: first, aim the clubface so that it’s pointed down your intended target line; second, align your feet parallel to your target line; and third, make sure your shoulders are square or slightly open, not closed, to your target line. It may seem simple, but doing these ...
What happens if you address the ball with your feet and shoulders closed?
If you take your stance first but accidentally address the ball with your feet and shoulders closed or open to your target line, the chances are your clubface will have to compensate by also being closed or open – which can lead to hooks or slices without you realising.
What happens if your lead foot is too far above your trail foot?
If your lead foot is too far above your trail foot, this will lead to a closed stance – and vice versa for an open stance. A good way to check this during practice is to lay down an alignment stick on your intended target line, and then set-up with your toes touching the stick (this will make sure they’re square).
Who is the golf instructor that coaches Tiger Woods?
The more you do this, the more second nature it will become during competition and the straighter your shots will be. Renowned golf instructor Sean Foley, who used to coach 15-time major winner Tiger Woods, says the biggest error he sees from amateurs is they aim too far right when addressing the golf ball.
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.
The Stance or Position in Golf: How to Aim Correctly
Perhaps the first question that comes to mind when you hit a golf ball is: How do I position myself? This is not a trivial question since it will depend on the correct positioning of your body that you achieve the right balance to execute the swing with the greatest control and strength and a proper alignment concerning the target.
Golf Game Ball Position
First, you must always place the ball in front of the inside of the left foot’s heel. In this way, you will have to change the position of the right foot according to the club you will play. This method is used by Jack Nicklaus, as he well explains in his book Golf My Way.
What should be The Position of Your Feet?
Regarding the position of the feet on the ground, the right foot should be at a right angle to the shooting line, and the left foot will be slightly open towards the target (turned to the left).
How To Aim In Golf: What Determines Your Placement?
When placing the club behind the ball with the right hand, you must maintain the opening corresponding to it and correctly support the face on the ground.
How Can I Improve My Aim in Golf?
Confusion about how to aim usually causes golfers to miss their target in two ways:
Your Intermediate Target is the Ball, Not the Flag
A high-level player who dedicates himself to practicing his swing obtains good results. During training, everything goes well; they can control their swing direction and clubface and play very well at the practice.
Conclusion
We hope this article has answered the question, ‘how to aim in golf?’ Remember that aligning your clubface and your body parallel to the line of play will allow you to aim more easily, identify your distance from the ball, and position the ball better with your feet. And, do not forget to share this information with other golfers you play this.
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 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 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 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 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 ...
What is the relationship between club face aim, body alignment and backswing?
Here’s why: If you set up with the face closed, your alignment will tend to be square to the club face and therefore open to the target. Your backswing will also tend to start back too far to the outside.
What is the aim of a golf club?
Aim: The position of the club face at address. It can be aimed at the target, or left or right of it. Alignment: The position of the body at address. It can be parallel to the flight line, left of it or right of it. Notice that the ONLY thing looking at the target, or the desired start line, is the club face.
How to set up a golf club?
I recommend the following as pre-shot routine: 1 Stand behind the golf ball to see your desired starting line. 2 As you approach the golf ball, AIM THE CLUB FACE FIRST at your desired starting line. 3 Then and only then, align your body to the line at which the club face is aimed.
Do you aim left or right in golf?
Your swing may very well require you to aim left or right, for example, depending on your attack angle. I am also not indicating that alignment always directs the swing, but you need to be sure you are set up where you think you are and have the correct relationship between your club face and your stance.
6holesn1
Need some advice from fellow WRX'ers....0 handicap here and am in a conundrum. I cannot stop aiming to the right lately. All clubs even the putter. My pre-shot routine consists of picking a spot a couple feet ahead of me, finding that spot by sighting through my clubshaft ala Lee Janzen if you all know what I mean. Approach the ball.
6holesn1
good ? While over the ball I try to square my shoulders to my target line...Lately my last look at the target I can see my left shoulder out of the corner of my eye causing me to start re-adjusting and doing a "happy dance foot shuffle" trying to get what I think is square leading me into an uncomfortable address position.
MadGolfer76
Assuming you do the whole intermediate target thing, if you start with the face pointed at the right spot, and then setup 90 degree angles from there, in theory you should be fine.
fairways4life
I don't remember all the details but I recall reading something in a golf magazine once about the corellation between eye dominance and alignment and how we often get tricked into lining up too far to the right (for right handed golfers). Here's a short video ..........
6holesn1
Great video. Going to try that this weekend. Makes total sense. One hand on the club. Thx Dewey
hankmoody
Interesting vids and articles on the eye dominance thing. I did it and found out I am left eye dominant (and I am right handed).
North Texas
I don't remember all the details but I recall reading something in a golf magazine once about the corellation between eye dominance and alignment and how we often get tricked into lining up too far to the right (for right handed golfers).
MelloYello
As someone who's done the same thing I can about guarantee that you've got it coming too far inside on the take-away. That's a problem I have to fight against going back to as well! You don't necessarily have a problem coming over-the-top but you're probably making really hard on yourself not to do that since you've got it too inside.
bmill
Can I ask a question on this? If a slight OTT move is natural or normal or powerful for a golfer, and a closed stance compensates for this, why is this a bad thing to do long term? Is this what Snead did? I know that square to square is philosophically ideal, but I have never heard why this would actually stall someone or cause them to peak at less than potential? Serious question - I struggle with OTT because I tend to want to turn my shoulders hard and out of sync with the rest of my body.
jamie
I'm a low capper but I practice my wedges from a closed stance to encourage covering the ball. Sometimes I get lazy and get too inside and fat my 100yds and in. With closed stance I really have to rotate.
NoTalentLefty
I like to read old posts on topics that I struggle with. This is one. Playing a closed stance on all clubs but some speciality shots like chips and putting. Should I change it? After reading this I’m okay with it.
