The golfer’s stance when addressing the ball, depends on the length of the shot. Discussed here are the square stance, the open stance and the closed stance. The position of the feet will be described in relation to a straight line that might be drawn parallel to one representing the golf ball’s path. This will be called the line of flight. In reality of course, the golf ball’s flight is curved to some degree.

The closed stance is the common way to address the ball when taking a long shot. This stance has the forward foot’s toe more or less right on the line of flight, with the toe of the rear pulled off the line by an inch or more. The closed stance for longer shots allows the body more freedom of movement while enabling the hands and clubhead to more naturally go along an inside-out path.

A square stance is adopted by most for the medium irons. In this stance a line drawn imagined connecting the tips of the feet would be parallel to the line of flight. The forward foot is positioned somewhat open, turned out a little in the direction of the swing, with approximately equal weight on each of the golfer’s feet. Shots using woods and long irons sometimes utilize this stance as well.

The open stance and short iron shots go well together. the forward foot is placed an inch or so back away from the line of flight, for a more upright swing that imparts a backspin that doesn’t serve well on long golf shots.

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