I truly believe that if your setup is good, you’ll not only hit the ball more consistently but your misses will also be much more playable.
In fact, you can often tell where a shot is going before the player even swings — just by looking at their setup.
If you don’t have a consistent setup routine, you’re likely to be wildly inconsistent and leave a lot of good shots (and strokes) on the table.
If you’re someone who struggles with their setup, follow the five tips below.
1. There are many good setup options
The good news? You get to determine the routine that works best for you. Ideally, you’ll work with your instructor to build one that fits your tendencies and goals.
Watch golf on TV and you’ll notice that while the best players in the world might look different in how they set up, they all do it the same way every time. Once they’ve built their routine, there’s very little variation. That’s the key to consistency.
2. Keep the clubface in mind
Once you’ve taken your practice swing and picked your target, the first step in your setup should always be to aim the clubface.
Set the clubhead behind the ball so that the face points directly at your target, with the ball centered on the face. As you do this, look back and forth between the clubface and the target — it’s a simple way to improve your aim and start the swing in the right direction.
3. Hands first? Or club first?
You have two options here, and both can work.
You can:
- Set the club first, then place your hands on the grip — being careful to position each hand properly.
- Or place your hands first, then set the club behind the ball.
I often recommend the hands-first method if you struggle with posture. By gripping the club first, then stepping in and bending from your hips, you can establish better posture and balance — helping your arms hang naturally and improving contact.
4. Don’t forget your feet
Once your club and hands are set, it’s time to adjust your feet. This is where great setups are made.
Your feet determine:
- Distance from the ball: Too close, and you’ll likely hit shots off the heel or hit behind the ball. Too far, and you’ll tend to hit off the toe or top the ball.
- Ball position: Too far back, and you’ll push or thin shots. Too far forward, and you’ll pull or hit them fat.
- Alignment: Your toes should form a line that’s roughly parallel to your clubface aim.
When you see great players “step in” carefully before each shot, now you know why — there’s a lot being calibrated in that moment. This is the true art of a great setup routine.
5. Define your aim
Every great setup includes a clear system for aiming the clubface and aligning the body.
Some players prefer to stand behind the ball, pick an intermediate target a few feet in front of it, and align through that spot. Others use their body lines relative to the target and come in from the side.
