When I first started playing golf, I felt incredibly awkward standing over the golf ball. My back hurt, I felt off-balance, and I either chunked the grass or topped the ball completely.

If you feel anxious or physically uncomfortable before you even swing the club, you are setting yourself up for failure. A great golf swing is impossible without a great setup.

Do not obsess over the complex mechanics of your backswing. Instead, perfect these three core components of the beginner golf setup, and your body will naturally swing the club correctly.

(Note: Before you take your stance, make sure you know how to grip the golf club correctly.)

1. How wide should my golf stance be?

Your golf stance should be exactly shoulder-width apart for standard iron shots (like a 7-iron).

A stance that is too narrow will cause you to lose your balance during the swing, while a stance that is too wide will restrict your ability to turn your hips. Place your feet shoulder-width apart. Your toes should not be perfectly parallel; instead, flare them slightly outward (about 5 degrees) to create a comfortable, athletic base.

2. How much should I bend my back in golf?

You should bend forward from the hips with a perfectly neutral spine, leaning your weight slightly toward the front of your feet.

This is where 90% of beginners make a critical mistake. There are two dangerous postures you must avoid:

• The “C” Posture: Slouching and rounding your shoulders like a ‘C’. This restricts your turn and will cause severe lower back pain.
• The “S” Posture: Arching your lower back too aggressively, sticking your tailbone out like an ‘S’. This also restricts your hips.

The Fix: Keep your back straight (neutral) and bow forward directly from your hip joints. Feel your weight shift slightly toward the balls of your feet. Do not sit back on your heels, or the momentum of the swing will pull you backward!

3. How much should I bend my knees in a golf swing?

You should only bend your knees slightly forward, pressing your weight into the balls of your feet.

Instead, flex your knees slightly forward. Your knee caps should point in the exact same direction as your slightly flared toes.

The Armpit Checkpoint

To guarantee you have the perfect setup, try this drill in front of a mirror:

1. Take your setup posture (hip bend first, knee flex second).
2. Hold a golf club vertically from your front armpit and let it drop straight down toward the ground.
3. The club shaft should perfectly graze the front of your knee cap and point directly at the balls of your feet.

If the club touches empty air, you are standing too upright. If your knees are protruding way past the club, you are “sitting” too much. Master this simple posture checkpoint, and your ball striking will improve immediately!