Learning golf - 1 (The set-up)
DIRECTOR of golf at City Bunker Pete Fuller reckons he can take anyone and turn them from a beginner into a confident and competent player.
In a new fortnightly Wharf column, Learning Golf, the PGA pro will pass on his knowledge through a step-by-step guide.
From the basic set-up and swing to club selection and trouble-shooting around the green, all aspects of learning – and mastering – the game will be covered.
Tiger Woods watch out!
Aim the club square to your target.
Position two golf clubs on the floor, resembling a train track.
The outside track should aim at the target.
This is the line your club face should be at right angles to.
The grip.
Hold the end of the grip between thumb and forefinger of the right hand, then place the left hand under the club a half-inch down from the top, running the club diagonally from the middle joint of your index finger through to the top of the little finger.
Close the left hand over the grip and place the thumb of the left hand on the right half of the grip. Then with your right hand coming in from the right, interlock the little finger of your right hand with the index finger of the left hand. Then the other three fingers sit under the grip with the grip again running diagonally through to the last joint of the index finger.
Close the right hand over the left thumb and sit the right thumb on the left half of the grip.
The grip pressure should not be too tight.
Stance, ball position and the posture.
Your feet should be shoulders’ width apart.
The ball is positioned in the centre of the stance.
To set the correct posture, bend forward from the waist keeping the back comfortably straight until your weight hits the balls of your feet.
Don’t forget to flex the knees.
Remember you must have that angle between the lower and upper body to be able to get the weight forward.
Shoulder position. The last part of the set-up is making sure you have the shoulders and the feet lined parallel left of the target.
That is on the inside train track.
So look over your left shoulder to make sure this is the case.
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