Pre-Shot Set-Up Position

Tommy Armour, one of golf’s greatest teachers, is quoted as saying; “Golf is not a simple game, but it should be taught in a simple fashion.”  This is exactly what we are trying to accomplish and will accomplish in this forum. 

One can argue, over 95% of all In-Swing Flaws can be traced to a Pre-Shot Set-Up Position that is incorrect.  Some golfers might find that hard to believe.  However, from my experience teaching golf for so many years, I must totally agree with that statement.  It actually makes my job so much easier.  Usually, I will spot at least one Set-Up Flaw in most students.  It is a rare day that a student will Set-Up perfectly and have good ball position at the same time.  Working on the Set-Up is usually how 99.99% of my lessons begin.  We call it GASP, which stands for Grip, Alignment, Stance and Posture.  I also include Ball Position as part of the Set-Up.  If your Ball Position is wrong in the Short Game, you can”Forget about it”, as they say in the mafia movies.  Everything else goes out the window.  Ball Position is everything in the Short Game.  It is important in the Long Game as well, but not as critical.  GASP is the cornerstone to a successful Set-Up and in turn, a well balanced and athletic golf swing.  This is the essence of what I teach, and the foundation to all other components of the golf swing and my Short Game School.

During the following posts, we will discuss each individual component of the Set-Up for each shot in the Short Game.