CONCEPT · SETUP & ALIGNMENT BEGINNER FOCUS
A methodical pre-shot foundation that transforms inconsistent swings into repeatable precision.
Skill split
01 · Overview
~2 min read
Great golf shots are built from the ground up, and it all starts with how you position yourself at address. Your setup dictates everything that follows—from your club path through impact to your ability to achieve proper hip rotation in the follow-through. Yet most golfers rush through this critical foundation, focusing instead on swing mechanics while ignoring the very platform that makes consistent contact possible.
The fundamentals might seem basic, but the details matter immensely. Matt Fryer Golf teaches a simple two-fist method for finding the perfect distance from the ball—place your driver at its natural angle, address comfortably, then check that your fists just touch your belt buckle when positioned between you and the club. Meanwhile, instructors like Danny Maude emphasize how small adjustments in stance can dramatically improve your driving accuracy and consistency.
What separates tour professionals from weekend golfers isn't just talent—it's their systematic approach to setup. From foot positioning that allows unrestricted hip rotation to pre-shot routines that ensure repeatable ball position, these fundamentals create the conditions for athletic motion rather than mechanical manipulation. Master your setup, and you'll discover that many swing problems solve themselves before you even take the club back.
4 components that build the move
01 · BALL POSITION
Driver sits opposite your lead heel, irons progressively move back toward center as lofts increase. This ensures proper angle of attack for each club's intended ball flight.
02 · STANCE WIDTH
Driver demands widest stance for power generation, narrowing gradually to wedges. Your feet should feel planted but not restricted from rotating through impact.
03 · DISTANCE FROM BALL
Stand too close and you'll fight for swing space; too far and you'll reach desperately. The club should hang naturally while your arms find their athletic position.
04 · SPINE ANGLE
Your right shoulder sits lower than left, creating the foundation for an ascending driver blow. This isn't a sway—it's a structured position that promotes proper swing plane.
02 · The Reference
3 of 847 · hand-selected
Editor's Pick · #1 · 1:08
Fryer's two-fist method gives you a concrete, repeatable system for finding the right distance from the ball every time.
Matt Fryer Golf · beginner
Editor's Pick · 1:08
Graves breaks down the complete pre-shot routine that Tour players use to make setup automatic rather than guesswork.
Todd Graves · beginner
Editor's Pick · 9:58
Ball demonstrates how proper setup eliminates the need to make mid-swing compensations that cause inconsistent drives.
Georgia Ball Golf · beginner
04 · The Experts
3 perspectives · same drill
! Don't use if you lack the flexibility that comes from years of practice like tour pros - may need more than 13 degrees
04 · Practice it
3 drills
Drill
Practice protocol with timestamped demonstrations across 4 videos.
Drill
Practice protocol with timestamped demonstrations across 3 videos.
Drill
Practice protocol with timestamped demonstrations across 3 videos.
05 · FAQ
Answered from the library
According to Matt Fryer Golf, there's a simple way to find the correct distance for every club in your bag. If you stand too close, the shaft raises up and affects ball position, while standing too far creates other swing issues.
Danny Maude explains this is a common problem where golfers think they're making the same swing but subtle setup differences are causing inconsistent ball flight. The secret to consistent driver accuracy has a lot to do with what happens before you swing, not just during the swing itself.
Malaska Golf emphasizes that golf should be taught as an athletic motion, not a series of positions. Just like hitting a baseball or tennis ball, it's a constant motion - the fact that the golf ball sits still makes people think they need to be perfect with positions, but it's really about fluid movement.
Georgia Ball Golf addresses this common frustration, explaining that swinging harder often makes the ball fly worse. The secret to hitting driver straighter is actually focused on what you do before the swing, not increasing swing speed or effort.
Golf Made Simple explains that many golfers make it harder for themselves to get through the ball based on how they set up. Your setup position directly impacts your ability to turn and follow through properly, so understanding the connection between stance and swing completion is crucial.
Tap any concept to explore the library
06 · The Library
YouTube-indexed · expert-graded
Video · 1:01
True Swing by Erika Larkin
Video · 1:31
Todd Graves
Video · 1:10
Top Speed Golf - Clay Ballard
Video · 1:23
Good Golf Coaching
Video · 0:08
Mark Crossfield
Video · 2:41:40
Jerome Rufin
Video · 0:58
Todd Graves
Video · 1:27
Jerome Rufin
Video · 59:09
Todd Graves
Video · 0:11
Golf With Anna
Video · 0:26
WhyGolf
Video · 18:46
Porzak Golf
Video · 0:42
Rob Cheney Golf
Video · 9:08
AlexElliottGolf
Video · 1:30
Todd Graves
Video · 10:00
Brit Golf Dad
Video · 11:29
Face First Golf
Video · 1:55
Kirk Junge (Setup4impact Golf)
Video · 1:32
Todd Graves
Video · 1:44
Cordie Walker GolfWell
Video · 2:54:14
Jerome Rufin
Video · 13:24
Josh Oddy
Video · 1:28:04
Jerome Rufin
Video · 0:43
Todd Graves
Video · 2:11
Brit Golf Dad
Video · 2:20
Brit Golf Dad
Video · 1:32
Brit Golf Dad
Video · 1:48
Kirk Junge (Setup4impact Golf)
Video · 16:34
Face First Golf
Video · 10:29
Meandmygolf
Video · 1:00
Todd Graves
Video · 0:55
MONTE’S GOLF - Since 1954
Video · 1:54
Brit Golf Dad
Video · 8:06
The Average Golfer
Video · 0:52
Brit Golf Dad
Video · 0:49
Brit Golf Dad
Video · 2:29
Fore Play Golf
Video · 0:58
Golf Monthly
Video · 1:36
Todd Graves
Video · 9:11
AlexElliottGolf
Video · 5:29
Get Good At Golf!
Video · 0:58
Todd Graves
Video · 1:08
Todd Graves
Video · 1:46
Kirk Junge (Setup4impact Golf)
Video · 0:33
Paige Spiranac
Video · 0:59
Todd Graves
Video · 0:38
Rob Cheney Golf
Video · 14:27
Kirk Junge (Setup4impact Golf)
Video · 0:54
Todd Graves
Video · 0:46
AlexElliottGolf
Practice the alignment stick drill to groove these fundamentals into muscle memory.