The four distinct moves to establishing the correct position to the ball can be accomplished in a step by step procedure that is quite simple.

Step 1: Place the club behind the ball by using only the left hand

While it is quite natural for the player to place the club behind the ball, a peculiarity in the construction of golf clubs could present a problem if you are not careful. The part of the club that meets the ball, the face, is not parallel with the shaft. Instead, it is hooked in. In other words, it is angled so that it will point off to the left a matter of a few degrees. If you are not familiar with this, problems can be established in this early step. By understanding the construction of the golf club you can then place the club properly to the ball. The proper way to place the club to the ball is to slant the handle of the club ever so slightly in the direction of the shot. By doing so, the left hand will then be positioned directly over the ball rather than over the club head. This slight change will allow you to:

• Create the position of the club during the swing
• Keep the club in the desired position
• Bring the club into and through the ball

Once the proper position of the left hand on the club has been assumed, the hand will rest more or less on top of the shaft. Three knuckles of the left hand will remain in clear view if you are looking down at your hand while the left thumb will be at a point that is somewhat behind the shaft.

This will happen quite naturally if the shaft of the club has been tilted forward slightly when it is positioned to the ball.

[phpbay]golf club, 5, "", ""[/phpbay]

Step 2: Position the feet into place

The correct position to stand is in a place where the ball will be opposite to the left heel. Imagine a line which runs from the ball to the inside portion of the left heel. This will be at right angles to the line of the shot. Your feet must be placed so that the toes of both feet are parallel to the line of the shot. Keep in mind that this position should be assumed regardless of shot or club that is used. There is no need to change position when you change clubs. This will allow you to position the weight on your right foot so that you can use the right side of your body when raising the club to the top of the swing to make the stroke. As you bring the club down into and through the ball; you will be in a better position to shift your weight to the left foot and therefore use the left side of your body.

Make certain that your feet are never wider apart than the width of your shoulders. A narrow rather than a wide stance is always preferable because it allows you to shift your weight far easier.

Step 3: Bring the right hand to the club to complete the grip

Before this point your right arm should have remained inactive and should have been hanging rather naturally by your right side. Now is the time to bring the right hand to the club. You may note that when you bring the right hand to the club, with the club opposite to the left foot, you will need to relax the right knee somewhat.

Your right hand will assume a position on the club that is directly opposite to the position of the left hand. While the left hand lies on the top of the club handle, the right hand will assume a position that is somewhat underneath the club.

Many beginning players make the mistake of placing both hands directly on top of the club. If both hands are resting on top of the club, a one-handed effect is produced. As we discussed earlier, the correct position should be ambidextrous. The left hand should take care of the top of the club while the right hand takes care of the bottom of the club. Always remember that golf is a two-handed game.

When your hands are directly opposed to one another, both sides of the club will be under control and the club will rest in a pull and push action that is natural. This is the only action that will produce the desired leverage on the club.

Furthermore, it is imperative to check your grip and be sure that there is no tenseness in it. Any holding of the club should be confined to the first two fingers and thumb of each hand. Avoid using your entire fist to grip the club. In fact, the little finger of the right hand should not even touch the club.

Step 4: Turn the right heel out slightly

Most people naturally stand in a position in which both toes are turned out slightly. Therefore, it is important to make a conscious effort to turn the right heel out somewhat. This outward placing of the right heel will position the right foot in a far stronger position for the backswing. Additionally, it will also be far easier to shift the weight to your right foot when necessary.

Now, we have the sequence of moves that are necessary to get ready to play a golf shot:

Step 1: Place the club to the ball only using the left hand
Step 2: Place your feet into the correct position
Step 3: Relax the right knee to complete the grip
Step 4: Turn out the right heel slightly

The above steps will produce a natural sequence of moves where your weight, hands and body will be perfectly coordinated to line up. The more frequently this sequence of events is practiced, the more automatic it will become so that in a very short time the starting position will also be established automatically.