Basic Pre-Swing Fundamentals

in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach

July 2, 2023

Looking to perfect your golf swing? There's no better place to do that than on the incredible courses along Alabama's beaches. Local PGA Golf Academy Director of Instruction Rea Schussler has a few pointers for those working to improve their swing, "Practice when you can and enjoy the challenge of the game. Wrap your head (and grip) around these fundamentals to up your golf game."

Grip

Assuring the club face is square by holding it in front of you, the handle should be primarily in the fingers of both hands. For a neutral grip, the V formed by thumb and index finger of both hands should be pointed toward the right shoulder. The handle should be secure in your fingers, but there should be little or no tension in the arms and shoulders. You must be able to feel the club head as you place behind the ball.

Body Alignment

For a square alignment, the feet, thighs, hips, arms and shoulders should be parallel left of aim line. As you settle into your stance and posture, assure that your hands are placed on the club properly, the club face is aimed properly and your body is parallel left of aim line.

Stance and Posture

Bend forward from the hip sockets approximately to 1 o'clock, keeping your spine tall with trail shoulder slightly below lead shoulder. Slightly bend your knees until they cover your shoestrings. The inside of your feet should be no wider than the outside of your hips for full shots, and for shorter shots they can be closer together relative to the shot. You should feel evenly balanced with your weight on the balls of your feet and braced so if someone were to give you a gentle bump you would be ready. Allow your arms to hang naturally from your shoulders. The hands should be directly below your chin or just inside your chin looking down. If your posture is correct, the butt end of the grip will point at your belt line or just above at address.