“The grip and setup are the foundation of your golf swing. If you mess these up, everything that follows is just a chain reaction of compensations."

The Grip: Your Only Connection to the Club

• "The grip is the steering wheel of your swing. A bad grip? That’s like driving a car with loose tires—you’re gonna struggle to keep it on the road."

• "A strong grip (hands too rotated to the right for a righty) can shut the clubface and lead to hooks."

• "A weak grip (hands too rotated left) can leave the face open, causing slices."

• "A neutral grip? That’s your best bet for consistency—it allows you to square the face naturally through impact."

• "And pressure? If you’re gripping the club like it owes you money, you’re in trouble. Too tight, and you lose feel. Too loose, and the club moves in your hands. Find that middle ground."

The Setup: The Blueprint for Your Swing

• "Your setup determines your ability to make a good swing before you even start. Ball position, posture, alignment—get these wrong, and you’ll be fighting your own swing."

• "Your feet, hips, and shoulders should be aligned to your target (unless you're intentionally shaping a shot)."

• "Spine tilt is key—irons need a slight forward lean, while with the driver, you want a little backward tilt to help hit up on the ball."

• "Balance is everything. If you’re too far on your toes or heels, you’re setting yourself up for disaster."

Final Thought

• "Want to improve your ball-striking without overhauling your swing? Fix your grip and setup. The best players in the world start every round with a grip and setup check. Why wouldn’t you?"