Play Better Golf. On Purpose.

Play Consistent Golf Part 3: Spine Angle

There are two aspects of Spine Angle to discuss. First is your posture at set-up: You want your spine as straight as possible. The second is maintaining your spine angle throughout the swing.

Your entire swing rotates around your spine, so you want to have one straight line around which you swing. Having a straight spine simplifies your swing and gives you the best chance of consistently hitting solid shots squarely on the clubface. Curving your spine or changing your spine angle during the swing substantially reduces your ability to get the club back to square at impact. Set a goal the next time you practice to spend some time on your posture and spine angle. You will be pleasantly surprised at how big a payoff you will get for a little work in this area.

First, spine angle at set-up. Here is a quick way to get into good posture with a straight spine at address.

Approach your ball and take your initial stance. Then stand straight up, as tall as you can. Lock your knees so your legs are straight. With your knees locked, bend from your hips until you can extend the club down to the ball. Once the club is behind the ball, flex your knees just barely so that your weight can get centered over the balls of your feet. Swing away.

If you react like most of my students, it will feel a bit strange at first, but your swing will immediately feel much more free and flowing.

The other aspect of spine angle is maintaining it throughout the swing. There are too many aspects of spine angle changes during the swing to cover in this FAQ. You will find, however, that if you can eliminate any in-and-out or up-and-down spine angle changes during the swing, you will have a more powerful and a more consistent swing.

See you down the fairway!