Setup for success: A winter program

A good setup writes the script for the entire swing, so if you're stuck indoors this winter, the best thing you can do for your game is pose in the perfect setup in front of a mirror at least once a day. Here's what to look for:

Stance width

While it varies, depending on body characteristics, the guideline is: With long clubs that require a full body turn, your stance should match your shoulder width; with medium to short irons, your heels are hip width apart.

Foot flare

How much you turn your feet out at address influences your ability to turn back and through the ball. The average flare is created by a quarter turn of both feet ― about 25 degrees. More or less depends on you.

Ball position

Play your short irons (9-lob) in the middle of your stance, opposite your throat. Position the medium irons (6, 7, 8) off the front cheek of your face. For your long irons and fairway metals, locate the ball off the logo of your shirt. The driver is opposite the tip of the lead shoulder.

Shaft angle

Ideally, the butt of the club should point at the inside of your front thigh. In the first photo below, my club and my left arm form a slightly tilted, straight line extending all the way from my left shoulder down to the clubhead.

Spine position

The spine position is something many amateur players ignore ― either they jut out their fanny, causing a cup in the lower back, or they hunch their shoulders, causing the torso to bow. Your spine reacts best to the rigors of the swing when it's in its straight, neutral position.

Arm hang and knee flex

The arms swing most freely when they hang straight down at address. It's a tension-free position that allows full range of motion. The knees also need to be ready to move, so there should be a small flex at setup.

Lines, arcs and angles ― golf is clearly a game of geometry. The good news is that to achieve a correct setup, you don't need special athletic talents or even any previous golf experience. All you really need is determination.