It is my firm belief – and I emphasize the word strong – that almost all swing cancers can be directly traced to configuration flaws.
A poor grip, bad posture, wrong distance from the ball, wrong alignment, wrong ball position – or any combination thereof – will sabotage even the most talented player. You simply cannot build a repeatable high-level golf swing on a shaky foundation.
Can you hit a good shot out of a bad setup? of course. But can you do it consistently? Absolutely not. Remember, even a broken clock is right twice a day. Poor setup conditions may allow you to stumble on a great shot here or there, but over time they will clog your ceiling and keep your ball extremely unstable. If you’re constantly asking for adjustments while moving, chances are the real problem started long before the club was ever moved.
This is why I constantly remind my students that practice should be about qUALITYnot quantity. One of the easiest ways to increase the quality of your practice is to place a stretch club on the ground and go through your full pre-striking routine before each ball you hit. Not several times. Every single time. Treat the range like a golf course, not a putter machine. If you wouldn’t hit a shot on the course without proper aim and placement, why would you hit it on the range?
So who had the best pre-shoot routine of all time? Apparently, Jack Nicklaus. Right after him, I would nominate Tiger Woods and possibly Raymond Floyd. What made these players special wasn’t just talent, it was discipline. I often tell my students that one of the defining characteristics of elite tournament players is that they are “boring.” They do the same before each shot. Same routine. Same checkpoints. Same commitment.
Recreational golfers, on the other hand, tend to be very “exciting.” A ball they aim carefully. The other and not. One swing, they last long. Next, they crouch. Over time, this discrepancy becomes impossible to overcome.
If you want to play better golf, become a setup expert—and yes, it’s worth repeating: become a configuration expert. Develop a pre-shoot routine that is 100 percent fundamentally sound. Build a grip that matches your swing, establish an athletic stance, position the ball correctly for the club in your hands and aim with the precision of a world-class putter.
When those fundamentals are in place, swings become simpler, contact improves and consistency follows. The installation doesn’t just start the movement – it defines what’s possible once the club starts moving.
Posture Towel – From Swing Plate
Stance Golf Ball Position Training Aid Master your setup with the new Stance towel. Built to simplify your practice, it ensures accurate and correct foot alignment and ball positioning so every swing feels effortless. Key Features: Quick and Easy Setup: Instantly visualize the correct ball stance and position for every club and shot. Consistent Practice: Develop a repeatable swing and stroke with clear instructions. Versatile Design: Doubles as a premium microfiber golf towel for added convenience. Durable and weather-resistant: Built to last, even in harsh weather conditions. Right and Left Options: Choose the version that suits your play style. See the Stand Towel in action: What’s included: 1 x Stand Towel Perfect your game today!
$39.99 from Fairway Jockey
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