How Far to Stand from the Golf Ball

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Learn how far you should stand from the ball at setup.


Are you having problems with your golf swing setup and specifically, standing too far away or too close to the golf ball?

One of the most common issues we see at RST is that members are setting up the incorrect distance from the golf ball, often resulting in hands too close or too far from ideal setup.  

Using your chinline as an indicator, we are going to show you the scientific answers to perfect golf setup every time.  

Anotomically speaking, your hands should be directly underneath your chin when setting up to the golf ball using the RST setup foundation.  Too close to your body and you could produce a cramped swing that loses power and promotes shanks.  Too far away and you ruin your swing plane and proper rotation.

Watch our simple golf distance technique that will alway produce a proper setup distance from the golf ball.  

How far should you stand from the golf ball when viewed down the line? This is a really common question that we get and it has a very specific answer that's, again, RST golf swing fundamentals on how far you should stand away from the ball. And I want to talk about a couple things that we see that are really common that shows when people are going to start having problems in their swing when they set up incorrectly. And what that typically looks like is with the hands too close to the body. What you'll see, if you draw a line straight down from the chin, we call this the chin line, just vertically down, the end of your right hand should be just on the edge of that chin line. If it's outside of that, you're extending your arms too far, or, of course, you could have a postural issue. Or, what we see more commonly is that the hands are well inside that chin line.

                Now what causes this? This is the key. When I see somebody with their hands well inside that chin line and this right arm is really close to the body, I know with a 99% certainty that they're going to be very right-side dominant in their golf swing. How do I know that? Well, the reason that they're pulling their right arm in is that they're trying to get this lat connection back with their arm so that their right arm feels connected to their body, because it feels more powerful. So the left arm gets pulled really into this awkward position where it's really jammed up and close and they see this really hiked up left shoulder. You see this stuff all the time. It's because it doesn't have anywhere to go, because they're trying to pull the right arm in so close to their body that the left arm is getting beat up.

                So how do we figure out how far we want to set up from the ball? Well, again, the golf swing is lead side dominant, so what you've got to do is let your lead arm, your left arm if you're a right-handed golfer, hand down nice and free. Now you're going to see that neutral, just where I'm completely relaxed, that has my left hand right about at my chin line. That would put the right hand outside of it. We don't want to be that far out with our left hand, because then that's going to put the right arm way far out there. We want to be in just a little bit to where the right arm still has connection to the core throughout our back, but not so far in that this left arm gets beat up and the left shoulder gets really hiked up. So how do we find that as we set up? If you're swinging left arm only and you're doing drills left arm only, then you want to keep the left arm that far out where it's completely neutral and relaxed. My left arm is completely relaxed here. Because as you swing left arm only here you don't have the right arm to kind of help hold it in place, so it tends to swing out away from you.

                If you're doing a lot of left arm only drills or lead arm only drills, and you find yourself shanking some, that's okay. That's totally normal. You're just standing a little too close to the ball. The centrifugal force from the club when you're going left arm only is going to pull the left arm out further away from you. We see that all the time. So let your left arm relax and let it swing out away from you. The right arm when it gets back on the club will pull it back in and that will pull the ball closer to you when you're hitting full shots with both hands on the club. So left arm only this is perfectly okay, but now we put the right arm on there we've got to find the healthy compromise. And that's simple. Again, we're going to pull it in just a little bit so that, again, the end of the right hand is just beneath my inside of that chin line. So that will pull the left hand in. We kind of use almost two fist widths as a generic guide or a fist width and a half of where the back of the left hand or the back of the butt of the club should be at address.

                So if you set up there then you're in the right spot, as long as this is inside that line. Now, again, this assumes that you're following our set up protocol, that you're getting set up correctly, weights set up correctly. Because if you're set up on the balls of your feet with not posture, then this is going to look really weird for your hand to be inside your chin line. So watch the set up videos. Make sure you're set up correctly with good forward tilt and your weight is balanced. And that will help you find where the chin line is. If you're not sure, just take a club and hold it down from your chin and you'll see where this line is. Now you know how to set up how far from the ball. 

 

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Staale
How will the chin line be with a driver? Regards Staale, Norway
April 2, 2024
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Staale. You will typically be a little taller due to driver being longer and more of a specialty club. You will usually see the chin line bisecting the hands.
April 2, 2024
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Dan
Happy new year! In the beginning of this video it talks from the left side dominant swing as to the justification for the real-time ball position and distance of hands from the body. And that it’s a song of a mistake of someone being right side dominant by being too “connected” with the right arm and right lat engagement. However the evolution seems to be an acceptance and even promotion of more right side dominate swing (Tiger, Bobby Jones). Does this right side dominant swing pattern require a different ball position, posture, hand position? Should the left hand be closer to the thigh? Should we be closer to the ball? Wpuod we want more or less axis tilt? Perhaps this is all covered somewhere else… Thank you! Dan
January 2, 2024
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Dan. Happy New Year as well. Most of this doesn't change. You will see some future videos discussing more topics on being a trail side dominant player. You can move the ball back a smidge and the lead hand just on the inside thigh (face on perspective). But, you don't need to radically alter the setup following the GOAT Theory protocols.
January 2, 2024
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Donnie
Hi Chuck/Craig - So I just need further clarification on proper hinge at the waist, knee flexion, and ball distance from the body. 1. The ball distance from the body will be the same for all clubs? So the longer/shorter the club we don’t just keep the same stance setup at address and adjust the distance from the ball based on the length of the club? 2. If we do keep the same distance from the ball (regardless of the club), we just need to change the hinge at the waist? For example, stand taller for longer clubs and more hinged at the waist for shorter clubs? 3. Do we need to change the flexion in the knees for different clubs (more flex for smaller clubs, less flex for bigger clubs)?
September 22, 2022
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Donnie. Knee flexion will stay relatively consistent. The hinge from the waist will be the item changing. This will allow the arms to hang correctly from the shoulder socket. The driver and short game are specialty shots which may see some variations.
September 22, 2022
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Donnie
One last question. If it is just one set distance that we stand away from the ball for all clubs, at what distance should the ball be placed? Do we use the 7 iron as the standard distance for the perfect setup and adjust our stance (hinge more/less from hips, standing taller for longer clubs, etc.) based on the club?
September 22, 2022
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
This will be based on your arms. You want the shoulder/elbow joint inline when hanging down. If the ball is too close or far away. You won't be able to maintain. Hinge forward until you can see the ball and let the arms hang correctly.
September 22, 2022
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Donnie
I guess I would need a little clarification. Since we’re going to hinge less from the waist with longer irons and hinge more with shorter irons, and if we let the arms hang down naturally, wouldn’t this adjust how far away the arms are from the body? In another words, the 1 1/2 to 2 fists away from the body wouldn’t be consistent since the arms are at different distances (depending on how much hinge there is)? Just curious why we wouldn’t just have one set posture where the hands are consistently 1 1/2 to 2 fists away and then set up to the ball (which would be at different distances depending on the club). Thanks in advance for all your help.
September 24, 2022
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
The hands will be consistent at that distance expect for say Driver/short game shots because those are specialty shots. Your hinge shouldn't be changing that much between clubs to drastically change the distance. The arms need to hang correctly to match with the anatomy. Shoulder/elbow joint inline. Take a look at Common Setup Faults and Fixes Video. This video will help with the process. In answer to different distance for every club. Think about it this way. Your stance doesn't widen just because you go from a 8 iron to 5 iron. You didn't grow in-between clubs. It is based on anatomy. Same with the hinge. You need to maintain your correct balance and alignments. Posture/weight balance/arm hang/stance width, etc is based on you.
September 26, 2022
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Dennis
Just getting started with the Rotary Swing. My question: Is stance width the same for every club? For longer clubs, hybrids, fairway woods through driver, the stance you advocate seems like it might be a little too narrow. Please advise. Thank you.
August 26, 2022
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Dennis. The same for all stock shots. Short game and Driver will be specialty clubs. Those can have variances. Take a look at Proper Tee Height Video for some of those adjustments.
August 27, 2022
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Carlos
This kind of makes sense of wh I was fighting so hard to stop a push fade/slice at the course today. Normally I fight a hook. I was doing the namaste with a club as part of my setup routine and just keeping my elbows glued to my sides. It was so frustrating, but I think a lot of it was I was just too close to the ball.
February 27, 2021
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Manny (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Carlos... focusing on keeping the elbows glued to your body not a good idea, focus on proper arm elevation and shoulder rotation may be a better choice, see "How much shoulder elevation". Adding understanding inside elbow position at setup is of great value for getting the club in the proper position at the top to avoid push fades and slices. see "Right Elbow Pit in Golf Backswing".
March 1, 2021
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Carlos
Thank you!
March 1, 2021
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Rob
Hello. Really useful video, thanks. Though I’m struggling to line-up my chin as recommended, while also having the correct distance between my thigh and hands. In the picture you can obviously see my right hand is well inside the chin line, but I think everything else is okay? Should I carry on with this setup? It feels comfortable so wondering if just my dimensions make it impossible for me (my back is long, relative to my height).
December 24, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Rob. I am fine with your spacing. Some genetic factors will play into setup. The only thing I see is the shoulders may be a fraction open.
December 26, 2020
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Rob
Thanks Craig.
December 26, 2020
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James
Here in DL captures, the first one at address I am pleased with; I realise my upper body tilts slightly more over than Chuck's but put that down to difference in height with me being 6'; other than that I am happy with that. At the top I think it is that hoary old issue of the arms lifting that bit extra and looking at the second capture at that point wonder if it is resulting from my left knee bending more to the ball or/and my right leg straighten out too much? I have been working in trying to feel the lead knee going more towards the right leg and at the same time maintaining a bit more flex in that trail leg. In front of a mirror, doing that it looks much better. I hope I am not doing too much in posting all these captures. I posted them separate to keep them in sequence.
August 22, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello James. The feeling of the trail arm acting like a piston to continue rotation instead of allowing independent arm swing at the top will allow you to get more of the clean look. The flying arm is simply because the arms are swinging. Arms do little. Focus on rotation. Arms don't swing any further once rotation stops.
August 23, 2020
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James
LOL that is one of the things I have been doing this afternoon, using the trail arm like a piston and combined with that external bicep (I said internal by mistake) rotation makes it so much better. One of the things after studying Chuck at the stop of his swing compared with mine is I flex my right wrist much more than Chuck; the back of his right hand is more at right angles compared with mine. Mine is more facing towards the ground and feel this is a factor as well of the right elbow moving up and away from the body. That's where the piston like movement helps to stop that movement. Thanks for re-enforcing my thoughts and observations.
August 23, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello James. That hinge of the trail wrist you are referring too more than likely is caused by doing it too early in the takeaway.
August 23, 2020
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James
Hi Craig, could this be the factor that gives me that handsy action in my takeaway? I will need to analyse a bit more to see if that is the case by watching my trail wrist action in front of a mirror. It would be great if I can get rid of this annoying habit of mine.
August 24, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello James. Yes. You have the tendency to roll and hinge back with the trail wrist early. Take a look at Right Wrist in the Takeaway Video.
August 24, 2020
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James
Is "Right Wrist in the Takeaway" the one you are referring to? I did find that very helpful because Chuck specifically mentions about the right wrist flexing back causing the hands and arms to go inside. As he says in the video by keeping the right wrist relatively quiet going back so that if you were wearing a watch, someone behind you could read it in the takeaway. I hope to video this move tomorrow when hopefully the rain and gale force winds have subsided!!
August 24, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello James. Yes. Good luck in the weather. Less arms/hands is a good thing.
August 24, 2020
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James
At the top. Thinking more about this flying elbow I have been working a bit more of internal rotation of the bicep of the trail arm (right) and that seems to correct it.
August 22, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello James. A little bit more external rotation of the trail arm will help get that elbow down further. Most of this is because the arms just continue to swing as you are finished with the rotation.
August 23, 2020
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James
Further to your review comments Craig, I accept what you said based on the comparison you showed me of Chuck's setup in long trousers that his head is more upright but I have been comparing setup on his latest swing video 5-1-2020 FO 7 Iron. In that one, if you drop a line from his right shoulder it looks like it is perpendicular to the outside of his right foot (indicated by yellow arrow) and that his head and shoulders look slightly tilted to the right, more so than the one you showed me in the review. So was it a poor camera angle when that video was done? Furthermore, dropping a line from his chin, puts it slightly back from my position; this is what has confused me. I have to say it almost looks like Chuck is leaning a bit to the right with his upper body.
August 14, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello James. His camera angle is pretty good on my end. You can see he has a little bit more tilt and the stance may be a hair wider. I think your setup was very solid today. Correct the weight balance DTL and the touch of width with the trail foot. I won't have anything to complain about. I just want you to be careful not to start adding tilt when you may already have some because the head will get too far behind the ball.
August 14, 2020
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James
Craig I just remembered that I have a laser beam tool on a stand that I used to check levels for verticals and horizontals for getting pictures, shelves etc perfectly level. So I dug it out for the first time in years and it still as new. With the laser standing in front of my big mirror, pointing at me away from the mirror set on vertical beam I am able to check my DL positions setting the beam across various points of my body; knee flex with it over my ankle, back of knee and pocket; then back of elbow, butt and toe line etc. Will do FO later today. Looking at myself in the mirror I can see the perfectly straight red beam line transpiring across the relevant points on my body without having to take pictures or videos and then drawing lines, so get an immediate check on my setup. Don't know why I did not think of this before. :o)
August 15, 2020
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James
Ironically enough Craig where you mention I was bending over too much over the ball, in that YT video I referred to I was more upright, maybe a tad too much and that is why I bent more from the waist in the review. Usual sort of problem over correcting something too much. Been working on this in front of a mirror to get it correct and now I have the chin pointing to just at the end of the fingers on the right hand. Further to Chuck Quinton 5-1-2020 FO 7 Iron, he does have quite a distinct axis tilt and when using my 8 iron I feel for me it is a bit too much as I do not feel fully balanced. I get bumping the lead hip towards target at address but should my axis tilt be less than what Chuck displays using his 7 iron? BTW, have made another comment connected with this on Clamshell Drill. Also, looking again at that Road Show number 9 for pointers there.
August 12, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello James. The axis tilt will vary by stance width. If you are in proper stance width with the club down the sternum. The tilt will measure out correctly for you. We all succumb to over correcting.
August 12, 2020
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James
When I setup I tend to make sure that my hips are set first, i.e. with that slight shift of the lead hip towards target. Just doing this gives me a nice axis tilt, not overly tilting to far away from target. Hope I am correct in thinking this concept.
August 12, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello James. Yes. Most players tend to over cook tilt when applying it at first. With the check of the club you should be able to get the correct amount everytime.
August 12, 2020
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James
I have done several checks on videos regarding setup, stance width and ball position and this is what I have come to. First with the correct stance width, 2 inches outside neutral joint alignment, axis tilt checked with shaft down sternum, I find when looking down my right forearm covers my right knee at address. Second the the club face is about middle of my stance, third the ball when it is level with my left ear is approximately 3 inches inside my left heel. In this setup I feel properly balanced with the weight over the arch part of my feet. If you think I something wrong here I'd appreciate your comments. TIA
August 13, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello James. The process is fine. The measurements will vary from person to person. Hard for me to say if that is exact for you. But, you were hardly off. I trust you.
August 13, 2020
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James
It is too hot and humid to work on my swing but have taken a couple of pictures of my setup, DL & FO to show here.
August 13, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello James. Ball may be a half of a ball too far back FO. If weight is balanced all should be well. I just can't zoom in. Eyes playing tricks on me.
August 13, 2020
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James
The middle of the ball is 3 inches inside my left heel as indicated by the yellow line (inside heel) and the paver joint the ball is resting on. The club head is in the centre of my stance level with the alignment rod, not that visible as the club shaft covers it a bit. I did think my stance could have been a tad wider but without constantly going into checking natural joint alignment and moving my feet two inches either way, it is very difficult to get it spot on every time. When I did the FO I did widen it a tad and it felt OK. Out of interest, on the horizon on my right side are the 80 foot high cliffs overlooking the sea, which is about 1/2 mile away. The bush line angling across is the railway track that runs near the coast.
August 14, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello James. Beautiful background. Copy that. I think the camera may make it appear and half ball back. But, angles really play with ball position.
August 14, 2020
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James
Craig I could not quite fathom out meaning of "I think the camera may make it appear and half ball back." Did you mean I still need to move the ball half ball back? BTW, have upped a Dead Drill Setup video that you may be able to specify a bit better for me. It is pending at the moment.
August 14, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello James. I will get to the review as quickly as I can. There are a massive amount of swings on the board right now. Camera angle can play tricks when looking at ball position. Sometimes on my end the ball position may be correct, but when the camera angle is off by a degree it will make it "appear" to be too far back. Even though it is correct.
August 14, 2020
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James
No problems Craig, it is not urgent, do your important reviews first there is no real movement in my review.
August 14, 2020
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Mohnishkumar
Hii guys,hope everyone is doing well. In the photo chuck's hands are looking little inside the chin line. Don't know which club he is hitting with. So is it like that we have to keep the hands little inside in wedges, inline with the irons and little outside with woods or driver??
June 6, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Monishkumar. The woods are a specialty club. The driver may miss a hair further away. But, ideally most clubs will equal the chin line. Wedges and short game shots may vary a hair because of the added hinge.
June 6, 2020
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Mohnishkumar
Thanks Craig for the clarification .
June 6, 2020
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Emmanuel
Is this correct?
September 16, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Emmanuel. I would like to see you shy away from some lordosis (curvature base of lumbar spine). Hinge a little more from the hips. You're slightly too tall and the line should be more on the edge of the trail hand. Drop your butt back slightly, neutral spine and get correct distance. Golf Posture, Hinging From the Hips, and Common Setup Faults and Fixes Video.
September 17, 2019
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Tom
I seem to get my arms to hang directly down from my shoulders, but my head seems to be outside of this towards the ball, is this a posture issue? Or am I standing too close to the ball? Are my arms too hunched in meaning my shoulder blades are not relaxed?
July 22, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Tom. Sounds like you may too close, or have lots of rounding in the thoracic spine area causing the arms/hands to be underneath and a little stuck.
July 22, 2019
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gordon
Hi Craig, in the review of my swing just completed you pointed out that my hands were too close to my legs in setup and one of your recommendations was this video. It was a surprise to me just how incorrectly I have been setting up, feel vs real, and your input is much appreciated. i di have a question about the corrective measure. I have been checking with a mirror and think that rather than standing closer to the ball I should be standing taller. I don‘t think I have changed the ball position, but do think it likely I am overdoing the hip bend. What do you think? Best regards, Gordon (PS I also fully take on board your recommendation regarding more weight shift on takeaway, very astute!!)
June 18, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Gordon. I could see how overdoing the hip hinge is getting you too close. And, I do agree with your assessment. Slightly taller will get the hands hanging more neutrally and less stuck to start. Well, of course. I don't want you going stack and tilt on me with that lack of shift .
June 18, 2019
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gordon
Thanks for the clarification Craig, I‘ll try hinging less and standing taller. I can be really quite creative when it comes to inventing wrong ways to do something! Best regards, Gordon.
June 18, 2019
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Mohnishkumar
Hello chuck; do I have to use this checkpoint(right wrist just coming at the edge of the line drawn from the chin) for all the clubs(from wedges to the driver.Should it be the same for every club regardless the distance of your hands from the body at address.Cause as compare to the wedge your hands are much farther from your body in driver.
April 29, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Mohnishkumar. Yes, for all clubs. Nevertheless, you will tend to see the driver get slightly further away since it is a specialty club and has completely different dynamics we are looking for at impact.
April 29, 2019
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Mohnishkumar
Thank you Craig for quick response.
May 1, 2019
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Garry
Sorry guys I just can't get this. Reading an earlier post it is discussed about the longer the shaft as in the driver the more upright you are which makes sense because to try and hit your driver with the same hip flex etc as your 9 iron is ridiculous. So what variable can you change? If your hip flex chin line hands straight down and 1 1/2 fists off your legs are all non negotiables your club shaft just becomes flatter. What am I missing?
March 22, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Garry. With a driver you will want a little less hinge from the hips (forward bending with the spine). No need to change the amount of flexion in the knees. The driver is a specialty club. Some players will be able to hit the chin line with the trail hand. Others the hands will be slightly outside the chin line due to the length of the club and height/arm length/legs etc..
March 22, 2019
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Chris
So our line from middle of chin down should go through middle of right hand on club?
January 3, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Chris. The inside of the chin line should be on the edge of the trail hand.
January 3, 2019
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Chris
Thanks! Is there a picture online you could suggest I look at showing this a little more clearly?
January 3, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Chris. I don't have one. But, I will post one here for you.
January 3, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Here is Chuck below.
January 3, 2019
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Joseph
With this setup, is it necessary that the club would be sitting evenly on the ground? When I follow this video, I find that my club tends to sit on its heel more. As a result, I tend to bend from my hip less to allow the club to sit evenly.
November 9, 2018
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Howard (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Joseph. When you’re hitting irons, the toe should be slightly off the ground at address. Because the shaft bends and ‘droops’ when you swing, the sole will contact the ground evenly at impact if your lie angles are fit properly.
November 9, 2018
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Mark
What type of ball flight can I expect standing too far from the ball with my 3W? Sometimes I slice a little but the hook is worse.
September 25, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Mark. Standing too far will usually round out the swing path too much. You can tend to come into the strike too shallow and save with the hands leading to the hook. You can also hit the slice if you arms stay trapped and spin with the shoulders coming through.
September 26, 2018
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Terry
Hi, I am 100% in with left side dominance and really struggling with make this happen. Drill another drill etc. Please, how best to make this happen. Thanks so much for everything Chuck and crew are doing to making golf enjoyable for us common folks. Terry
May 17, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Terry. Glad you are enjoying the program and appreciate the compliments. The 5 Step System is your best bet. You need to fix the body positions and gradually add back the other pieces. Start low and methodical. Accuracy of your drills is your first priority.
May 17, 2018
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James
Will this distance from the ball setup apply for chips as well?
May 12, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello James. On chipping the club can tend to be a little more vertical leading to a touch closer.
May 12, 2018
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Michael
Many times in the past after reading about about the golf swing or taking lessons I always wondered why do I lead with my Left side if I am right handed. Therefore; after watching this video and the push / pull video it would make sense to switch to "Left hand Golfer". Essentially the Golf world has it backwards, If I am a right hand dominate then that should be the lead side of my swing, correct?
March 17, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Michael. Yes you should play from the opposite side of the ball, or with your lead side. However, if you have played golf for awhile and have used your right side for most activities in life. It would be an arduous task to switch sides. I would recommend to start making your left side more dominant.
March 19, 2018
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Jamy
Can you discuss the difference between men and women since women have breasts to contend with.
January 7, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Jamy. Women may have to elevate the arms over the breasts a bit depending on the size. If they're not too big, the arms should be able to rest normally.
January 7, 2018
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Cori
I am having trouble figuring out where my arms should be. I do have bigger breasts. When I hang my arms down naturally, I cannot bring my hands together. When I go over the top, my arm is tense and farther way from my body (back of my left hand is about an inch in front of the line from my chin). What is the best setup position for me?
June 6, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Cori. It would be tough to tell exactly without seeing the process of setting up. Sounds like you will have to rest on top a little more than advertised. The key is not to get the shoulders too protracted and spine rounded at setup (Gorilla Grip Video). Do you feel you are hinging enough from the hip sockets to provide proper bend/spine angle. I have seen from other female students. They stand much too tall creating the uncomfortable position.
June 6, 2018
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Robert
Hi Craig. This is unrelated to this issue. Are you Craig Morrow who conducted my swing revue? If so I had mentioned that my "Quadratus" (Laborum is what I was referring to) was feeling a little stretched and my question in the comments when I send an my Picture was referring to the improvement of my swing where the chicken wing ahead mostly disappeared and I was wondering if my quadratus lumborum witches in the back on the right perhaps the connected to the obliques on the right side was might be feeling stretched due to the massively increased extension I was getting using the rotary swing. But most of the comments that I got were referring to the quadriceps. So not exactly what I was asking for. Quadriceps are fine. In fact they are enjoying life a good deal more than they ever have since I'm using them as posts both back and forward and having amazing results. Bob
January 25, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Robert. I apologize the system did not send me a notification you typed a reply. Sorry I thought you were talking quadriceps. Not many students delve into the quadratus lumborum. You could be experiencing to tension there with need found extension (lack of chicken wing). If you hold that position too long it will create discomfort. In the full swing you move through it quickly as to not disturb the area too much. Take a look at the Side Bend Video.
February 5, 2018
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Frank
A suggestion for future videos: Reinforce the correct setup by showing the vertical line for correct setup at the beginning and end of video. The correct setup gets lost in all the discussion about improper or left arm only setup.
December 11, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Frank. Thanks for the suggestion. I apologize for the little bit of confusion with the improper setup discussion.
December 11, 2017
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Jay
Can you talk about the position of your left wrist (for a right handed golfer) at setup. Since there is a lot of angle mobility in the wrist ( ability to move hand angle up/down at address), what angle should my wrist position be at setup? I hope I'm describing what I'm asking sufficiently....if not let me know and I'll try to add more words. Thanks very much. Take good care, Jay.
November 11, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Jay. The wrist will contain a little set. It shouldn't be fully deviated. Take a look at the Using the Wrists in the Golf Swing Video.
November 11, 2017
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john
What about with driver? It seems like the hands should be farther from the body.
September 6, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello John. The driver is a specialty club. For some depending on the length and body type. The hands might be slightly further away. Not much.
September 6, 2017
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Callie
After watching this video I discovered my arms were too far away from the ball. This is proving to be a tough habit to break. I used a mirror at home and swing video on the range to verify I'm in the correct position, but on the course this is proving to be tough. What is the best way to check this set up position on the course with out a mirror or video. Is it as simple as assuring my arms are relaxed and tension free?
August 29, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Callie. Relaxed and tension free will help. You could also dangle an alignment rod from your chin to make sure of proper placement. The goal would be that you perform enough reps with camera/mirror that you know no other possible way than to setup in the perfect position every time.
August 29, 2017
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Mariam
Hello, I have spent a lot of time with this video and am having trouble standing up straight enough. I think it may be due to my club length and the angle of club to shaft (not sure name for this). I am almost 6'4" and while my clubs were custom fit, they are only about a half inch longer than standard clubs. Is there a list of RST certified club fitters? In the interim, am I best off to just practice with a longer club (5 or 6 iron where I can more easily stand straighter as in video)? Thanks so much!
May 19, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Jay. I don't have a recommended fitter for you. We used to offer fittings at our facility in Orlando, but no longer do. I would recommend uploading your setup video to one of our instructors and have them take a look. Show the new vs old and describe what you are struggling with. i would allow for a little bit more hinge in the interim to practice with the higher lofted clubs as it will make the swing change process easier.
May 19, 2017
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Jan
Hi - this doesn't really answer the question. Yes it helps show where the hands should be under the body. So if I then add the club - do I place my hand in that position and club line up with the ball? If so - is the ball in the centre of the club head or towards the heel of the club head? A picture here with some lines will help - thanks
April 7, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Jan. The ball needs to be placed in the center of the club head. The chin line and edge of your trail hand is a checkpoint for arm distance off of the body. The arms need to be hanging neutrally from the shoulder socket. You can see all the lines well in the Dustin Johnson - Setup for Consistency Video.
April 7, 2017
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Jan
Thanks Craig I keep hitting off the toe and my club face closes on me, probably compensating for being too far from the ball. What I did do is place the ball by the heel of the club head and it made a difference, but I will go reset and work with these again.
April 7, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Jan. It may be the distance from the ball. However, you could be aggressively rotating the hands too much instead of allowing for a gradual release. Take a look at Flip vs Release. You might not be flipping, but you need to allow the release to happen gradually and smoothly. Not a last minute "try to speed up the hands."
April 7, 2017
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Hector
in the downswing , my hands also have to be inside the chin line ?
April 5, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Hector. The hands will actually be slightly higher at impact versus setup. Due to the fact you will be releasing and creating more ulnar deviation.
April 6, 2017
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David
My question is similar to Frank's and Paul's, but I will ask another way. Is there a good way to predict the proper distance from the ball for each club BEFORE completing all of the other setup steps (ball position, stance, shoulders, hip hinge, axis tilt)? If not, is it best to approximate the distance from the ball, complete all other setup steps, and then if the clubhead has overshot or undershot the proper position behind the ball, shuffle your feet to move the whole setup into correct position?
March 24, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello David. There isn't a best or perfect predictor to get the position. You may use an alignment rod and hang it down from your chin to check the distance. Nevertheless, as you mentioned above. Much better to shuffle your feet versus trying to solely move the arms in and out to adjust the position (all things considered that setup is correct).
March 24, 2017
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frank
as a new member, I am missing something, possibly. Should not the bend from the hips be introduced before introducing distance from ball? Am trying to take steps in some kind of order. Thanks Frank
January 26, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Frank. One could say that. It won't hurt you to understand the distance prior to hinging. Therefore, when you reach the Hinging from the Hip Video you will know when you have hinged too far or little. But, I understand where you are coming from.
January 27, 2017
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Paul
What is your suggestion on how to coordinate this when addressing the ball to get it right? Put club behind ball, get into stance and than check you hand to chin position?
January 15, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Paul. Sadly, it just takes a lot of practice. Your method above is a useful process as well.
January 15, 2017
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John
In watching this video, it looks like Chuck keep his chin up, and therefore his neck is fairly straight. Since I wear bifocals all the time including playing golf, if my head tilts down more than this to see clearly, will it lead to other problems? Mind you it is not a severe tilt, just enough to see the ball clearly through the distance lens.
January 7, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello John. With the head a little low you will have the tendency for the lead shoulder to push the chin at the top of the backswing. I would make sure if you have to look down a little that your head is positioned in line with your axis tilt at setup to help.
January 8, 2017
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Jeff
The routine that I learned (through my own experimentation) is to set up my body into the correct position (the Rotary Swing position), and then let me left arm hang naturally (as you show in this video), then place my right hand on the club in its correct position, and then lastly, I move both hands back in towards my body as if I am swapping the position (in terms of distance from body) of my left hand, with my right hand .... but, at only about 3/4 of my hand distance. So, the end result is, my right hand is now almost the same distance from my body that my left had was when it was hanging, but only by about 3/4 of the way. This seems to work very well and easily repeatable on the golf course, and should result in exactly the perfect setup that you have illustrated here. One should be able to get back into that exact position every single time without having to even think about it.
December 31, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Jeff. That sounds like a good process. We appreciate the post. It may help some of our members out as well.
January 2, 2017
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Lee
Hi, this video froze after 30 seconds.
November 26, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Lee. It is working properly on my end. Make sure you are using Chrome and/or Firefox. If the problem persist. Please Contact Customer Service. I apologize for the error.
November 27, 2016
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Loran
How do you know if the butt end of the club at address is too low? How do you determine height of the butt end of the club at the initial address? Holding the butt end to low will cause your body to stoop?
November 12, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Loran. If you are hinged the proper amount from the hips forward and the hands are correct with the chin line it would be hard to mess up the butt end of the club. More forward tilt or having a lot of preset cocking would be the only way to get it too low. However, that would be a non-hanging freely arm position and too horizontal to the ground with the spine. If you take care of the forward hinge. More than likely the club won't be too low.
November 12, 2016
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Loran
Does this mean my bottom have to stick out when I have proper hinge from the hip joints? So then, this not like sitting on a chair but leaning my butt on a high stool?
November 12, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Loran. Yes, the backswing will come out slightly like leaning against a high stool. Take a look at the Hinging from the Hip Video.
November 12, 2016
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Brian
sorry, last comment was for myself
November 7, 2016
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
No problem at all
November 7, 2016
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Brian
3:07 end of right hand is just beneath the chin line 3:11 fist and a half from back of club to leg
November 7, 2016
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
No worries Brian, your notes maybe be helpful for other students.
November 7, 2016
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Loran
The club must be straight at address, correct? Even though the hosel and face of the club are slanted compared to the golf club itself? I find that a contradiction and paradigm whenever I do my setup at address, because I try to do a little spine tilt, but that will inadvertently slant the club away from the ball, which in turn causes problems and compensations in the golf swing.
September 23, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Loran. Yes, the club should be vertical at setup. If you take a look at the Golf Grip Checkpoint Tips Video. The lead hand will be placed primarily on the inside of the lead thigh.
September 23, 2016
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chris
I am a bit confused, i was watching another video about the take away and reading below It and chuck talked about keep hands inside the chin line. The hands at address in the pics were back from whats shown here. Wonder if i can get some clerification on this. Thank you very much.
August 11, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Chris. The end of the trail hand will be just inside the chin line. You are looking to have the shoulder joint and elbow joint in alignment.
August 12, 2016
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James
All clubs including the driver?
July 2, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello James. Yes. You might be a hair further with the Driver being as it is a specialty club. But, should still be pretty close.
July 2, 2016
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James
Great video, when I look on camera my hands are outside my nose. What problems would this cause, also I have long arms would I need less hinge from the hip to stop the club shaft getting too flat at setup? Thanks, James.
June 14, 2016
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey James, are you making sure that your hands and arms are hanging straight down at address? Also, have you checked to see if there is any roundness to your shoulders? Check to make sure your weight is centered under your ankle joints with just enough knee flex to have the back of the knee over the center of the ankle. I discuss a lot of this in the fixing your setup video, so maybe see if that helps you out. If you have long arms in your new setup and you feel as though the club shaft is too flat, head over to see a club fitter and get clubs that will work with your setup and not against it. Hope that helps.
June 14, 2016
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James
I spoke to my club pro about it and he said i was gripping at the end of the club, when i gripped down it felt like my arms could hand down.
June 16, 2016
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James (Certified RST Instructor)
Great video, very simple way to answer a basic question!
June 1, 2016
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Glad you enjoyed the video James.
June 1, 2016
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Caleb
Chuck, Should we use this setup for all clubs?
June 1, 2016
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Caleb, yes the setup should remain constant from one club to the next. The amount of spine angle created by the hinging from the hips may slightly vary based on the length of the club though.
June 1, 2016
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Mariam
Just to clarify: as clubs get longer, you are saying that one should be slightly more upright?
May 9, 2017
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Yes that is correct. The spine angle will change slightly to accommodate the length of the club.
May 9, 2017
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Andrew
Chris, what would happen if I kept all of my shaft equal left like Bryson's? I know each club is equal weighted, but if one is able to afford the Edel clubs or if I were to just make sure all of my current clubs were equal, would that compliment the RST swing? Thanks
June 1, 2016
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Well, the only fair thing that I can comment on is sacrificing free speed based on the length of the club. However, I do know that Chuck did some research on this a while back and we might consider doing some more on this topic moving further. So, yes, not matter the length of your clubs, the RST swing will work with them. We are just more about providing true data to help students fully understand the benefits or pitfalls to each and every aspect of the swing. Stay tuned, I will talk with Chuck about doing more research in the very near future.
June 1, 2016
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Andrew
Sounds great and thanks!
June 1, 2016
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
My pleasure as always!
June 1, 2016
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John
where can I find the videos how the brain learns
May 31, 2016
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Introduction section. Here is one. https://rotaryswing.com/videos/full-swing-basics/introduction/learning-how-to-learn
June 1, 2016

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