My best girlfriend is a life long superstar athlete. Think of a thoroughbred with diamond earrings and pink lipstick. Gorgeous and athletic. Makes me sick....with envy, of course. Having played every sport imaginable....she was determined that picking up golf would be no step for a stepper. She'd seen it on TV, for goodness sakes. As much as I loved her tenacity, I couldn't wait to see her hit her first few shots. It was just as I expected. Even though she stepped up to the ball with a good grip and perfect posture, I can't tell you how many times she swung swooshing the club through the air without making contact. When she did finally hit the ball it was more of a dribble than an actual hit. After about ten minutes of this, she asked in frustration what she was doing wrong. We've all been there right? The problem was very common. When she stepped up to the ball her legs were 4 feet apart (ok, that might be a bit dramatic but you get the point). Just think linebacker football stance and that was her. I don't know why women always think that they have to stand as if they are astride a broncin' bull just to hit a little 'ol golf ball.
I had my friend stand tall and create a stance no wider then her hips. Do you know right after that she hit her first ball into the air like a champ? The rest is history and after a whoopin' holler, she was excitedly bitten by the golfing bug. She is the greatest kind of friend!
There is no magic stance distance just make sure you feet are aligned with the outer edges of your hips. This will put you in the perfect power position and will help you stay in balance.
Another set up thought that I have always liked is to visualize the arches of your feet and feel your balance and strength there. If you feet are too close together or too far apart you'll be ablet to feel it from thinking about the arches of your feet.
I wish golf was as easy as it looks on TV. Hang in there and just keep swinging.
