Tip: Play better golf by improving your Golf IQ - Part II

How well do you really know the game of golf?

Are you familiar with the golden rules of golf? Could you explain the basic fundamentals of the golf swing?

You may not know as much as you think you do and this lack of knowledge may be holding you back from playing your best golf. The more you know about the basics and fundamentals of the game, the less intimating this game becomes.

In Part I, I laid out a few questions to see how much you know about your equipment.

Today’s quiz is on what I call the “golden rules of golf.” One of the greatest misconceptions among higher handicap golfers and beginners is that there is some magical swing secret that will make them better golfers. If there is a secret to great golf, it is memorizing and perfecting basic swing fundamentals. It is impossible to overemphasize the importance of the basic fundamentals and the “golden rules of golf.” These are things that remain constant and you need to learn these basics to be a consistent ball striker.

Can you name the four fundamentals of the set-up?

1. Grip
2. Stance
3. Posture
4. Alignment

Let’s see how well you know these basics …

Question # 1

Starting with the grip … The Vs formed between the forefinger and thumb on each hand are used as reference points when in teaching a neutral grip. As far as the left-hand (if you are a right-handed golfer) is concerned, at address, where should the Vs point:

A. Straight at the chin.
B. Between the chin and left shoulder.
C. Between the chin and right shoulder.

The Answer is - C

When looking down on the hands at address, the Vs formed between the index finger and thumb of both hands should point between the chin and right shoulder to ensure that the clubface is returned to the ball squared to the target line.

Here is a way to test to see if your grip is correct. Hold the club parallel to the ground and stretch your arms, if the leading edge of the club stays straight your grip is in good shape. If the leading edge closes, then the grip is too strong and you will hook the ball. If the leading edge opens up, then your grip is too weak and you will slice. Adjust your grip until you can get the leading edge to stay straight.

Question # 2

Where should you position the ball if you are playing driver?

A. The center of the stance.
B. Inside the right instep.
C. Opposite the left instep.

Answer – C

Ideally the ball should be positioned just opposite the left instep, which is forward in your stance. Because the ball is on a tee, so you need to be giving the ball a sweeping motion. You are actually swinging up on the ball. Now if you are hitting an iron you want the ball to played in the center of your stance to give the ball a downward descending blow. With the driver you want your hands to be behind the ball at impact and with an iron, you want your hands to be ahead of the ball impact, so that is why you change the ball position.

These are pretty basic questions, but important none the less … let’s continue …

Question # 3

One of the questions asked most often by newcomers to the game is. How far do I stand from the ball at address for normal shots? Measuring from the butt end of the club to the top of thigh, how far should it be?

A. The span of one hand with the fist closed.
B. The span of one hand with the fingers outstretched.
C. The span of two hands with fingers outstretched.

The Answer is – B

The general rule of how far you should stand from the ball at address is one hand with the fingers outstretched between the butt end of the club and the thigh. It is virtually impossible to make solid contact with the ball if you are too close or too far away. If you stand too close to the ball, your swing will be excessively upright and you will come down steep on the ball at impact. If you are too far away, your backswing will be too flat and you will end up coming over the top on the downswing and slice the ball.

To make sure that you are the correct distance, adapt this simple routine. First take your grip and then drop your arms on your chest. Second, step forward with your right foot and place the clubhead behind the ball. Then adjust your distance from the ball until you are one hand from the club. You can even measure with your hand. This way you are assured that you will be the same distance to the ball each and every time. Most people make the mistake of setting there body first to the ball and then putting the club down, so now you may be too close or too far away from the ball. Never underestimate how important the set-up is to a good swing.