In this post, I’ll be reviewing the Open Stance changes made in elements of set-up and golf swing. My comments assume you are using a consistent, open stance. I was going to expose the latest Golf Digest, again. But, that’s too easy. Besides, the adaptation to an Open Stance is so much more interesting.

Here is a list of elements to consider altering to adapt to your Open Stance.

Set-Up: Pre-wound backswing
Clubface square to your target
Grip orientation to facilitate Open philosophy
Shoulders parallel left of target, and closed to your hips
Hips closed to your feet
Feet open to your target line

Flattened Golf Swing
Ball position – move back in your stance along feet line
Leading foot square to feet line
Lower armswing facilitated by increase in torso tilt away from target, along feet line
Club shaft across feet line at the top of your swing and parallel to or at the target

Weight Distribution
Due to closed hips and shoulders, weight moves forward, which is why ball position may modulate from club to club without increasing your tilt from wedge to driver.
Your temptation will be to move toward the target in your downswing…. Don’t.
As I have always said and written: Move, in balance, to your forward heel through impact. If you cannot reach your ball initially, move closer at address.
Leg drive will compensate for thin misses by keeping your hips and shoulders closed a fraction longer in your downswing – allowing you to release your club into the ball.

Let me know.

John Wright – Founder
The Open Stance Academy