Proper posture puts your spine angle in a strong rotation-working position. (PGA of America)

Improve your posture, grip, stance and alignment for a better golf swing

By Karl Fischer,
Contributor

Let's have a simple look at posture and grip, two golf fundamentals:

Posture: Stand comfortably tall as you miqht "stand in a theatre line." Feel it –- chin tall (not head down). This puts your spine angle in a strong rotation-working position, knees slightly bent with weight equally distributed between your two feet.

At address (that's when you are comfortably ready to trigger your backswing), put a little more weight or pressure on the inside of each foot than on the outside. Keep your upper body firm but relaxed. Don't get tight. If you feel tight, roll your shoulders and take a deep breath -- fully in and fully out. Keep breathing rhythmically. Don't hold your breath. It is one of the most common swing eroders.

Grip (right handers): Hold your hands with palms opposed. Firm left hand. Gentle right hand. Don't squeeze the life out of it: comfortably firm. Your thumbs should NOT be pointing straight down the middle top of the grip. They will naturally roll or be placed slightly over the top. Grip with the fingers and not a fist. At relaxed address (ready to go), see clearly at least one knuckle (the first, biggest one on your index finger) on your swinging target hand.

July 7, 2003

Karl Fischer has spent some 35-plus plus years teaching golf nationally and internationally earning the title of "IGAD-Doctorate," "CIMTP-Certified International Master Teaching Professional," "CMCB-Certified Master Club-Builder" and "CGC-Certified Golf Clinician." He has written six golf books, thousands of editorials, tips, "Bullet-Proof Drills" and much more. He can be reached at KF@555golf.com or by phone at (817) 673-8888.