x
Skip to main content
Golf Logo
InsideGolf Join Now  / Log In
Struggling with your swing? Focus on these 3 basics
SHARE
  • Share on Facebook
  • Share on Twitter
  • Share by Email
Golf Logo
  • News
    • Latest
      • News
      • Features
      • Shows
      • PGA Tour Schedule
    • Series
      • Tour Confidential
      • Monday Finish
      • Hot Mic
      • Rogers Report
    • Shows
      • The Scoop
      • Subpar
      • Seen & Heard
  • Instruction
    • Game Improvement
      • Driving
      • Approach Shots
      • Bunker Shots
      • Short Game
      • Putting
      • Rules
      • Fitness
    • Series
      • Top 100 Teachers
      • Rules Guy
      • The Etiquetteist
    • Shows
      • Warming Up
      • Play Smart
      • Short Game Chef
      • Pros Teaching Joes
  • Gear
    • Clubs
      • Drivers
      • Irons
      • Hybrids
      • Fairway Woods
      • Wedges
      • Putters
    • Other Gear
      • Balls
      • Shoes
      • Apparel
      • Golf Accessories
    • Series
      • ClubTest
      • Winner’s Bag
    • Shows
      • Fully Equipped
  • Travel & Lifestyle
    • Travel
      • Course Finder
      • Courses
      • Resorts
    • Lifestyle
      • Accessories
      • Celebrities
      • Food
      • Style
      • Betting Advice
    • Shows
      • Super Secrets
      • Destination Golf
  • Shop
    • Shop
      • Clubs
      • Shafts
      • Training Aids
      • Balls
      • Bags
      • Technology
      • Apparel
      • Accessories
      • Our Picks
      • Shop All
    • Collections
      • The GOLF Collection
      • The Birdie Juice Collection
      • The Fully Equipped Collection
      • Shop All
  • Newsletters
    • Sign Up for GOLF’s Newsletters
      • Hot Mic
      • Monday Finish
      • Play Smart
      • Our Picks
      • Top Stories
      • Sign Up for All
  • News
    • Latest News
    • Features
    • Shows
    • PGA Tour Schedule
  • Instruction
    • All Instruction
    • Driving
    • Approach Shots
    • Bunker Shots
    • Short Game
    • Putting
    • Rules
    • Fitness
  • Gear
    • All Gear
    • Drivers
    • Irons
    • Hybrids
    • Fairway Woods
    • Wedges
    • Putters
    • Balls
    • Shoes
    • Apparel
    • Golf Accessories
  • Travel & Lifestyle
    • All Travel
    • All Lifestyle
    • Course Finder
    • Courses
    • Resorts
    • Accessories
    • Celebrities
    • Food
    • Style
    • Betting Advice
  • Series
    • Tour Confidential
    • Monday Finish
    • Hot Mic
    • Rogers Report
    • Rules Guy
    • The Etiquetteist
    • ClubTest
    • Winner’s Bag
  • Shows
    • The Scoop
    • Subpar
    • Seen & Heard
    • Warming Up
    • Play Smart
    • Short Game Chef
    • Pros Teaching Joes
    • Fully Equipped
    • Super Secrets
    • Destination Golf
  • Shop
    • Clubs
    • Shafts
    • Training Aids
    • Balls
    • Bags
    • Technology
    • Apparel
    • Accessories
    • The GOLF Collection
    • The Birdie Juice Collection
    • The Fully Equipped Collection
  • Newsletters
    • Hot Mic
    • Monday Finish
    • Play Smart
    • Top Stories
    • Our Picks
    • Sign Up for All
InsideGolf Join Now  / Log In
InsideGolf
Instruction

Struggling with your swing? Focus on these 3 basics

By: Edie Wessel, PGA
September 30, 2021
  • Share on Facebook
  • Share on Twitter
  • Share by Email
Composite photo of three images showcasing a golfer's posture, grip and alignment

Focus on fundamentals like posture, grip and alignment to get your swing back on track.

Edie Wessel

Those of us who play golf know we can get very analytical with our swings. The more we delve into the intricacies of it, the more complicated the swing becomes. Whether you play competitive or recreational golf, the more analytical you become, the worse you seem to play.

So, using the acronym P.G.A. — Posture, Grip, and Alignment, let’s get back to the basics. Remember, the basics of the golf swing are like the foundation of a house. If the concrete is not poured properly and the foundation has flaws, there will be problems in the structure and integrity of the house. The golf swing is no different. Without sound fundamentals, things will crumble quickly. 

Back to the basics 

As in any sport, posture is extremely important in golf. The correct address position provides the ability to turn the body and swing the club. While some people have physical limitations that can make the golf swing difficult, most players can set up to the golf ball in an athletic position. Your feet should be shoulder width apart, you need to tilt at the hips and gently flex your knees. Your arms should hang down loosely. 

posture
Edie Wessel

As shown in the photo above, the spine should remain relatively straight, not too arched or rounded.  

Grip the club loosely in your fingers. For the right-handed golfer, your left hand should be placed so the “V” formed between your thumb and the index finger points toward your right shoulder. As the photo below shows, your right hand should gently fit below the left hand with the “V” also pointing to the right shoulder. For the left-handed golfer, the “Vs” should be pointing toward your left shoulder.

Edie Wessel

Alignment is one of the more challenging parts of golf, especially since every shot angle can be different. However, if you keep your alignment consistent on full shots, you will be more successful. Visualize railroad tracks.  One track is the target line where you want the ball to travel. The other line, parallel to the target line, is the line to which you align your body.  As shown in the photo below, your feet, hips and shoulders should be in line with each other and parallel to your target line.  

Edie Wessel

The beauty of golf is it is a sport for a lifetime. Whether you have been playing for 50 years or are just starting, keep it simple and remember the acronym: P.G.A.— POSTURE, GRIP, and Alignment. 

Edie Wessel, PGA, is the teaching professional at The Silverleaf Club in Scottsdale, Ariz. 

To add more pop to your swing, get a driver fitting from the experts at 8AM Golf affiliate True Spec Golf.

Shop our selection of game-improvement gear

Explore GOLF’s Pro Shop
Izzo Free Fall Hitting

Izzo Free Fall Hitting

$139.99
View Product
Golf Gifts & Gallery Swing Ring

Golf Gifts & Gallery Swing Ring

$4.24
View Product
Strike Spray (3 Pack)

Strike Spray (3 Pack)

$29.99
View Product

Latest In Instruction

4 hours ago

The best advice Scottie Scheffler ever received — and why it works

6 hours ago

A clever (& legal!) trick to check your grip during the round

13 hours ago

Drew Stoltz's favorite bunker trick to fool your unsuspecting buddies

1 day ago

The mental habits that win major championships

generic profile image

Golf.com

Related Articles

Features
The Carman family at the 2022 USGA Women's Mid-Am

How this busy mom kept her golf game in top shape — and won the 2022 U.S. Women's Mid-Am

By: Jessica Marksbury
Instruction
Cheyenne Knight

How shopping trips to Target help this LPGA winner stay consistent on the course

By: Jessica Marksbury
Gear
KlockIt Golf

How the pandemic's golf boom inspired one woman to take up the game — and invent a new swing aid

By: Jessica Marksbury
Apparel
J.Lindeberg Audrey jacket

This trendy jacket is the lifestyle piece your fall golf closet needs

By: Jessica Marksbury
Apparel
RLX pullovers for women

These ladies pullovers are the perfect layering piece for brisk fall mornings

By: Emily Haas
Features
PXG Women's Golf Day 2022

How this golf-equipment company is helping to make the game more diverse and inclusive

By: Jessica Marksbury
Apparel
fall florals

These stylish floral prints are perfect for fall golf

By: Jessica Marksbury
Instruction
Ally Ewing putt

How this putting tool helped propel Ally Ewing to her third career LPGA win

By: Jessica Marksbury
News
Ally Ewing of the United States plays her shot from the 12th tee during the final round of the Kroger Queen City Championship presented by P&G at Kenwood Country Club on September 11, 2022 in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Ally Ewing uses birdie barrage to take Kroger Queen City Championship

By: Jack Hirsh
Sign up for GOLF's Newsletters
Get the latest news, the hottest instruction tips, new product releases, golf media insider reports and more delivered directly to your inbox. Choose your favorites now.
Sign Up
Categories
  • News
  • Instruction
  • Gear
  • Lifestyle
  • Travel
Services
  • Masthead
  • GOLF Media Kit
  • GOLF Magazine Customer Service
  • TERMS OF SERVICE
  • PRIVACY POLICY
  • Opt-out of Ads/Sharing
  • Your Privacy Choices
Social
  • facebook
  • x
  • instagram
  • youtube
Membership
InsideGOLF Logo
More than $140 Value for JUST $39.99

INCLUDES 12 SRIXON Z-STAR XV GOLF BALLS, 1 YR OF GOLF MAGAZINE, $20 FAIRWAY JOCKEY CREDIT - AND MUCH MORE!

LEARN MORE

© 2025 EB Golf Media LLC. An 8AM Golf Affiliated Brand. All Rights Reserved. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy a linked product, GOLF.COM may earn a fee. Pricing may vary.

Go to mobile version