Hitting the Ball

Fundamentals of the golf setup process

The golf setup process, also known as addressing the ball, refers to the act of positioning oneself and the golf club in preparation for making a swing. It's the setup phase where the golfer aligns their body and clubface to the intended target and establishes the correct stance and posture. Addressing the ball is a crucial part of the pre-shot routine and involves several key elements:

Positioning: The golfer stands behind the ball and approaches it from the side where the intended shot will be made.

Stance: The golfer establishes a stable and balanced stance by placing their feet shoulder-width apart or slightly wider. The weight is typically evenly distributed between the feet.

Alignment: The golfer aligns their body and clubface parallel to the target line. This includes aligning the feet, hips, shoulders, and clubface in the desired direction.

Grip: The golfer grips the club with their hands in a comfortable and secure manner, ensuring that the hands work together to control the club throughout the swing.

Posture: The golfer maintains a posture that promotes a smooth and athletic swing motion. This involves keeping the spine relatively straight, bending at the hips and knees, and maintaining a slight tilt forward from the waist.

Ball Position: Depending on the type of shot being played (e.g., driver off the tee, iron from the fairway), the golfer positions the ball at the appropriate location in their stance.

Once the golfer has addressed the ball and is satisfied with their setup, they are ready to initiate the swing and make contact with the ball. Addressing the ball correctly helps ensure consistency, accuracy, and power in the golf swing.