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The Setup - Step by Step to the Proper Golf Setup Position

From Michael Lamanna, for About.com

8 of 8

The Final Setup Positions

Setup PositionsPhotos by Kelly Lamanna; used with permission
The shaft of the club will appear to lean slightly toward the target with your short irons because the ball is positioned in the center of your stance. With your middle irons, the shaft of the club will lean only slightly toward the target (or not at all) since the ball is forward of center. With long irons and woods, your hands and the shaft of the club will appear to be in line. Again, as the ball position moves forward, the hands stay in the same place so the lean of the shaft disappears. With a driver, the shaft will lean away from the target.

Your arms and shoulders should form a triangle and the elbows should point to the hips.

And a Final Note about Tension
At address the upper body should be tension free. You may feel tension only down the inside of the back leg.

Remember: "Your swing evolves from your setup." If you focus on this vital pre-swing fundamental, you are more likely to improve your performance. A good setup does not guarantee success, however it improves your chances immensely.

Also see:
Setup for Success: The Importance of a Proper Golf Setup

Michael Lamanna is Director of Instruction at The Phoenician resort in Scottsdale, Ariz.

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