Golf instructor Alex Elliott explains why relying on a perfectly 'square' setup can reinforce swing flaws like slices and hooks. He demonstrates how making subtle adjustments to ball position, pelvis angle, and clubface orientation at address can immediately optimize ball flight. By aligning setup components relative to the shot you want to hit or fix, golfers can achieve far greater control and consistency.
To counteract a slice, place the ball slightly further back in your stance, keep your pelvis slightly closed, and set the clubface marginally closed at address.
To prevent a hook, move the ball slightly forward in your stance, keep your hips and shoulders neutral/square, and set the clubface slightly open.
A perfectly square setup is not ideal if it reinforces your existing swing flaws or shot shape patterns.
Utilize alignment lines on golf balls or chalk lines on the practice ground to visually monitor setup angles.
Go deeper
The slice — Causes, drills and coaches for this miss