There are a multitude of combinations and permutations that can possibly help any one person adapt to the Open Stance. However, I will discuss one at a time beginning here. Any new, intentional set-up orientation brings with it a set of inviolate requirements to adapt most quickly. The Open Stance is one of these intentional set-ups.
Equally important is the assumptions necessary to even begin the description of each condition. It is a large undertaking, so I’ll probably only cover a few on this site. They will be the broad strokes of the adaptive process. The more detailed conditions will be a part of my next book. Here is the first of the big assumptions.
You Intend Your Hit Your Ball Solid and Straight At Your Target.
First Condition – Ball Position
The ball position will move back in the stance. It could be a half an inch or it could be five inches. It depends on if you open your stance a little or a lot… and personal physiology and swing character. You will have to start the process of finding your initial ball position and swing change. When you decide to move your ball position rearward, you are deciding to change your path more toward the weak side of your stance. Right handers – to the right, and vice versa for lefties.
As a consequence of this ball position change, you will impart more draw spin or less fade spin on your shots relative to your prior condition. So, you will have to decide whether you grip should weaken or your shoulders should rotate more vertically through impact on an earlier post in order to keep the clubface square enough to facilitate the primary assumption. These are conditions in and of themselves
I would suggest that club fit is an assumption, but without seeing the adaptive response in motion, I am holding this assumption in reserve. But, I will say this much…. An upright club creates an upright plane, which tends to move the golfer closer to the ball. It will, in some, force the golfer to raise the torso and handle of the club as a consequence. Yet, in other golfers without upper body strength, it can create a ‘casting’ of the club into the ball, no compression, and no divots. Injuries proliferate under this condition.
John Wright – Founder
The Open Stance Academy