How to Check Golf Posture at Address

To check your golf posture at address, focus on three fundamentals: spine angle, balance, and arm hang. If these three are correct, your setup is fundamentally sound.

Use this quick checklist before practice or play.

Quick Checklist: How to Check Golf Posture at Address

1. Check Your Spine Angle

• Bend forward from your hips, not your waist
• Keep your back straight, not rounded
• Let your chest tilt slightly toward the ball

Simple Test:
Place a club along your spine. It should touch your head, upper back, and tailbone.

2. Check Your Balance

• Weight centered over the middle of your feet
• Knees slightly flexed
• You should feel stable and athletic

Simple Test:
If someone gently nudged you, you should not tip toward your toes or heels.

3. Check Your Arm Hang

• Let your arms hang naturally from your shoulders
• Hands should fall under your chin
• Avoid reaching for the ball or crowding it

Simple Test:
If your arms feel stretched or cramped, adjust your distance from the ball.

What Proper Golf Posture Should Feel Like

Correct posture at address should feel:

• Balanced
• Athletic
• Relaxed but structured

You should not feel strain in your lower back.
You should not feel your weight sitting in your toes or heels.
You should feel ready to rotate without adjustment.

60-Second Golf Posture Self-Test

Try this before your next range session:

1. Set up without a club
2. Bend from the hips and let your arms hang naturally
3. Check that your weight is centered over your mid-foot
4. Hold the position for 10 seconds

If you feel stable and balanced without tension, your posture is likely correct.

Common Golf Posture Mistakes at Address

Many golfers struggle with posture because they:

• Bend from the waist instead of the hips
• Stand too close or too far from the ball
• Add too much knee bend
• Let their shoulders round forward
• Shift weight toward their toes

Fixing posture at address prevents compensations later in the swing.

Why Golf Posture at Address Matters

Your posture at address influences:

• Swing plane
• Rotation ability
• Strike consistency
• Balance through impact

Poor posture forces mid-swing corrections.
Good posture allows a repeatable and efficient motion.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is correct golf posture at address?

Correct posture includes a neutral spine, weight centered over the mid-foot, and arms hanging naturally under the shoulders.

How far should you stand from the golf ball?

You should stand far enough away that your arms hang naturally without reaching or feeling cramped.

Should your back be straight in golf posture?

Yes. Your spine should remain neutral. Avoid rounding or excessive arching.

Final Check Before You Swing

Before every shot, confirm:

• Neutral spine
• Balanced stance
• Natural arm hang

If those three are correct, you have built your swing on a stable foundation.