K of C 3777 Golf League

Lengthen Your Backstroke For Better Lag Putting
The Bunker Shot
The Low Running Shot Around the Green
Conquering Uphill And Downhill Lies
Clubface At Impact
The Magic Of The Feet
Struggling With Your Long Clubs? Try These Tips
Develop A Pre-shot Routine
The Importance Of Balance
Putting
Uphill And Downhill Lies
The Differences Of Address And Impact
Grip Pressure
Pitching
Golf League Results for 2003

The Magic Of The Feet
I have been experimenting and evaluating the varied roles the feet play in the golf swing. The more I check into the numerous parts of the swing the feet impact, the more aware and impressed I become with their importance. The position that you set your feet in at address can affect more than
almost anything else related to the swing itself.

"Alignment" is the relationship of a 90- degree angle [perpendicular] to the ball/ target line. The left foot's relationship to the right foot is also of extreme importance.

Guidelines for left foot alignment:

The amount the left foot is turned toward the target is not a constant-it varies. The alignment of the left foot can be set anywhere between "square" [perpendicular
to the ball/target line] and turned out 45 degrees to the ball/target line. As a general rule, while the clubs go lower in number [5 iron, 4 iron, 3 iron], the stance is wider and the left toe is turned out more. The reason for the open left foot with longer clubs is to promote roundness in the swing.

For 9-iron through lob wedge: It is okay for the left foot to be square to the ball/target line, and parallel to the right foot. This alignment is desired since the golfer wants a steeper downswing of the clubhead into the ball. With the left and right foot parallel to each other, the hips slide [move parallel] toward the target during the downswing rather than rotate. This promotes a steeper path of the clubhead into the ball.

If you lift the left foot off the ground in the backswing: Take the right foot and set it perpendicular to the ball/target line. Set the left foot at least 30 degrees open. When the left foot is lifted off the ground it doesn't allow the body to be as coiled.

If you have a tendency of over swinging [past parallel at the top]: Take the right foot and set it about 10 degrees closed. Open the left foot about 35 degrees. Making these changes at address tightens the overall coil in the lower body, and will automatically tighten and shorten the backswing.

If you have a tendency of swaying in the backswing: Take the right foot and open it about 20 degrees. Open the left foot only about 10 degrees. The right foot slightly open allows the hips to turn first instead of move laterally on the initial takeaway.

If your tendency is to be too lateral through impact [a better players disease]: Set the right foot square at address and open the left foot about 30 degrees. This will allow the hips to rotate and clear through impact instead of swing too laterally through the ball.

The ideal position at the top of the backswing is with both feet on the ground. This position produces more resistance and creates tension. The more tension you can create the more energy you are storing. Stored energy produces power.

As you hit balls on the range work with your foot alignment to see what it can do for your swing. Remember to make all of the changes that you possibly can at address instead of during the swing.

.....from Scott Sackett, Director of Instruction at the PGA TOUR Golf Academy at World Golf Village in St. Augustine, FL.