A consistent golf swing starts before the club moves. The setup—also called the address position—helps you balance your body, aim the club and make a repeatable motion. The details change with the club and shot, but a few fundamentals are a useful starting point.
Grip
The hands control the club, so hold it securely without squeezing too hard. Golfers commonly use an overlapping, interlocking or ten-finger grip. There is no single grip that suits everyone; the goal is comfort and control. A golf professional can check whether your hands are positioned to manage the clubface.
Posture and stance
Stand tall, then bend from the hips enough for the arms to hang naturally. Keep the back comfortable, soften the knees and distribute weight so you feel balanced. A mid-iron stance around shoulder width is a common starting point; the stance may be wider with a driver and narrower for a chip.
Ball position
Ball position depends on the club and shot. Many iron shots are played near the middle of the stance, while a driver is commonly positioned farther forward, toward the lead foot. These are guidelines, not universal rules. A coach can help you determine a position that suits your swing.
Aim the clubface first
Choose your target from behind the ball and identify a small point on the target line close to the ball. Set the clubface toward that point, then position your feet and body generally parallel to the line. Alignment sticks can help during practice, but use them safely and remove them before a shot when required.
Pre-shot checklist
Choose the target, set the clubface, place your feet, check posture and grip pressure, look at the target, then return your focus to the ball. Repeat the same sequence before each shot so you spend less time making last-second adjustments.
Frequently asked questions
How tightly should I hold the club?
Firmly enough to control it but without unnecessary tension. The grip should feel secure and comfortable.
Where should the ball sit in my stance?
It depends on the club and shot. Mid-irons are often near the centre; a driver is usually farther forward.
Next lesson: learn body alignment in golf to improve your aim and target line.
