[Choi Myung-ho's Quick Lesson] 1. Setup Balance "Weight Distribution, Next Is the Spine"

Published 09 Apr.2020 10:08(KST)

Updated 21 Sep.2022 16:07(KST)

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Balance left-right and front-back with 'First', check body and ball distance with 'Check', and finish with alignment

Perfect setup of KLPGA Tour's top rookie Oh Kyung-eun.

'Chunrae Bulsachun (Spring comes but is not like spring)'.

Spring has arrived, but golfers' hearts are heavy. This is due to the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19). Practice is not adequate, and on the field, wearing masks and following 'COVID-19' rules is essential. So we prepared this. Asia Economy Newspaper will serialize every Thursday for 8 sessions starting this week. Let’s firmly hone the basics this time. The first topic is 'Set up Balance'.

In all sports using clubs or rackets such as golf, tennis, table tennis, and badminton, the preparation stance plays a very important role. A solid setup allows a smooth swing, but if it wobbles here, the next steps become uncomfortable immediately. This is why you can gauge a player’s skill level just by looking at their address. How should one maintain the setup in golf to achieve a comfortable swing?

First is 'left-right balance'. shows the perfect address posture of Oh Kyung-eun (20, PNS), a top rookie on the Korea Ladies Professional Golf Association (KLPGA) Tour. Notice the proper weight distribution between left and right. In golf, the weight distribution between left and right varies depending on the club choice. The driver places relatively more weight on the right side, while the 9-iron distributes more weight on the left. This can be easily corrected through photos or video recordings.

The angle between the upper body and lower body is clearly visible from the side.

Next is 'front-back balance (anterior-posterior balance)'. shows this. Viewed from the side, the angle between the upper and lower body is clearly visible. The key point is how much the upper body leans toward the ball. In golf, the tilt of the upper body, called forward bending, shifts the center of gravity forward (toward the ball) or backward (toward the heel). This tilt acts as the driving force to execute an accurate shot.

Oh Kyung-eun’s upper body from neck to waist is placed straight on top of the lower body without any bending. A relaxed state (not stiff) is the starting point for a flexible backswing. Here is a self-diagnosis method for amateur golfers: practice setup by placing the golf club shaft along the spine. The lower body shows a clear line connecting the pelvis, knees, and ankles. This supports upper body movement and helps release power.

Lastly, 'alignment'. shows a posture ready to swing and hit the shot immediately. The address is simple, but the directions (aim) and alignment of the upper and lower body, as well as the distance between the body and the ball (which affects the swing path), all appear in the swing. It is like the axle connecting the four wheels of a car. Amateur golfers should remember that focusing on setup alone can reduce their score by at least 5 strokes.