The setup is an overlooked golf fundamental. A good setup does three things. It encourages proper balance throughout the swing. It helps create power for, and control of, the shot’s direction. And it positions you to execute the perfect swing. If you setup incorrectly, you’ll probably hit a bad shot no matter how good your swing.
Below are what two golfing greats—Jack Nicklaus and David Leadbetter—have to say about the setup’s importance. Nicklaus is arguably the greatest golfer ever. Leadbetter is among the most respected teachers of the game. Both spent years plying their respective trades:
“If you set up correctly there’s a reasonable chance you’ll hit a good shot, even if you make a mediocre swing. If you set up poorly, you’ll hit a lousy shot, even if you make the greatest swing in the world.” (Jack Nicklaus)
“What invariably distinguishes good players from poor ones is their respective address positions or setups.” (David Leadbetter)
So what does a good setup feel like? Ask PGA Tour Player Dustin Johnson. He uses a three-step drill to help him achieve the feel of an athletic setup position. Johnson was taught the drill by his swing coach. The drill is simple and easy to do:
Step 1: Stand erect. Place your driver across your belt line.
Step 2: Push the shaft into your body. As you do this react by leaning your upper body slightly forward and push out your rear end.
Step 3: Unlock your knees. Push the shaft down your quads—like you were rolling dough. Feel your weight move into your legs and your shoes while applying pressure to the ground. This is an athletic setup.
Johnson’s drill ingrains the feel of an athletic setup. Setting up correctly, as Jack Nicklaus and David Leadbetter hold, is a key golf fundamental. You must master this overlooked fundamental to break 80 consistently.
