A great set-up routine it’s a way to put the most important parts of your setup in an order that works best for each individual.
In most of my full-swing lessons, establishing an individual setup routine is a priority. While there are many options, here are some parts you may want to consider for yours.
1. The practice swing
The practice swing it should be a realistic swing taken far enough from the golf ball that I am not inhibited by its presence.
Taking a practice swing too close to the ball can produce improper movement that can be transferred into the actual swing. Make sure you create enough space to avoid this.
Where you choose to take your practice swing is a matter of preference. If the lie is uneven, it may be a good idea to replicate that lie when you take your practice swing.
2. Place the clubhead behind the ball
When you first set the clubhead behind the ball, this is when you want to start the process of pointing the clubface.
You will often see golfers look back and forth between the clubhead and the target, or, in some cases, refer to an intermediate target that they have chosen to aim for.
Setting the club behind the ball first also promotes the correct forward bend from the hip joint and helps to start moving into a good stance.
3. A careful grip
Your grip has a direct influence on the club face throughout the swing and, more importantly, at impact.
If you watch the best players, you will see that they are very particular about the position of each hand and make the grip feel correct for them.
Don’t rush the process of getting your hands on the club. Understand what your best grip is, and as part of your setup routine, pay special attention to getting it right for you.
4. Hands in grip with a mallet on the grou d
Placing your hands on the club carefully and correctly, then putting the club head on the ground and pointing towards your target, is an important part of the routine. This allows you to establish a proper grip while also creating the starting point for good golf posture.
Leaving the clubhead on the ground while adjusting your feet is very important. It allows you to set the proper space between your hands and thighs so that your arms can hang correctly.
A common mistake I see is golfers taking the club off the ground while adjusting their feet. I don’t prefer this because the posture often becomes too straight, and the position of the feet becomes little more than a best guess at that point.
5. Adjust your feet
Once your hands are on the club and the club is alone, your feet can make the necessary adjustments to establish your ideal setup.
Your feet have a lot of work to do during this part of the setup. They need to find the proper space between your body, the club, and the ball. They also need to adjust the position of the ball and align your body relative to where the clubface is aimed.
Once your feet have adjusted and found the proper place, the club head can be taken and shaken to relax the arms.
Ideally, your feet and clubhead will not move at the same time. When they move simultaneously, your ability to accurately measure and make adjustments is reduced.
While you can certainly adjust your routine and find one that works best for you, once you define your best routine, you should stick with it.
This routine allows you to put your foundations together while also creating the same cadence and order every time. This consistency can help you become more consistent with your contact and rhythm.
