You can spend thousands of dollars on golf clubs and lessons and use the latest swing tips from the top pros, but you won't hit the ball well if you don't have a proper stance. A wrong swing path can result from standing too close to the ball or too far from the ball, from using an open or closed stance at the wrong time, or from raising and lowering your center of gravity improperly.
Step 1
Place the ball in the middle of your stance as you starting point. This means you will place the ball equidistant between your front and back foot. Move the ball forward in your stance for longer shots that require more hip rotation and front-to-back weight shift. Move the ball back in your stance for shorter shots that require less power. Moving the ball too far forward can cause you to hook, while placing the ball too far back can create a hook.
Step 2
Place the ball far enough away from you to create your desired swing path. If you want to slice the ball around an obstacle using a outside-to-inside swing path, place the ball closer to you. If if you are a right-handed golfer and you want to send the ball from right to left, place the ball farther away from you to create an inside-to-outside swing path. Place the ball in the middle of those two options if you want to create a swing path that takes the club straight to your target.
Step 3
Move your rear foot back, under your body, your create a closed stance. The toes of your back foot will be closer to the middle of your front foot. A closed stance is helpful on longer shots, and it helps you get more hip rotation. Place your rear foot slightly forward to create an open stance. An open stance is helpful for shorter shots, such as a pitch. An open stance can lead to a slice, while a closed stance may cause you to hook.
Step 4
Widen your stance to create a lower center of gravity. This is helpful on longer shots that require more power. Move your feet closer together for shorter, control shots that require less leg power and hip rotation, such as chips and putts.
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