The secret in the open stance is not really a secret. We knew already. We just forgot. Forty years after being thrown off the scent, I began reintroducing the world to the Open Stance.

We have prominent examples of the open stance at the highest level of golf…

Bryson Dechambeau, Ricky Fowler, Bubba Watson, Patrick Cantlay, Charles Howell, and many others play from an Open Stance. These guys are long hitters and renowned ball-strikers/shot shapers. Some set up wildly open, which I love. However, their genius is the expression of their intention – their unique solution. Their golf swings are the epitome of “Athleticism”. Their choice of an Open Stance is the vehicle for their journey.

However, it’s not as though the Open Stance is a new concept. We have numerous examples from throughout golfing history of great ball-strikers setting up open. Bobby Jones set up open to his target. Watch his short film with Jimmy Cagney. It’s really a beautiful piece of work.

Jack Nicklaus is perhaps the best example of the efficacy of the open stance with a neutral grip. Mr. Nicklaus played the ball forward in his stance, producing a very vertical plane and a ball flight that was called a fade, but would drift to the right – almost imperceptibly, as it fell to the ground. Certainly his choice of set-up would be the only one needed for proof, but there is one more example that is even more compelling….

Lee Trevino was and is a great champion, and he chose an open stance set-up. Lee is also widely regarded as the finest ball-striker of all-time (No disrespect to Ben Hogan et.al.). The Merry Mex is a blocker with a strong leading-hand grip. He was shorter off the tee, but absolutely deadly with the accuracy of his golf ball strike. His video will return to this site. When it does, enjoy the video, and then click on Kostis.

Fred Couples is an Open Stance stalwart and ball-striking legend. Fred switched to an open stance in the last twenty years. As a result, he remains very long off the tee and is also, now known as a great ball-striker well into his fifties. Additionally, his back problems seem to have subsided.

This last video, emceed by the velour voice of Charles Beren, outlines the thesis that gave birth to the secret.

John Wright – Founder
The Open Stance Academy