Anatomy of Golf: Why the “Basics” are the “Non-Negotiables”
Anatomy of Golf: Why the “Basics” are the “Non-Negotiables”
Hi friends and golfers. My name is coach Erik Schjolberg. I am writing to you from Scottsdale, AZ where EJS Golf operates at McCormick Ranch. Come and see me for Scottsdale Golf Lessons or find out how we can meet up for Online Golf Lessons. No matter what, enjoy the journey to getting better and finding out who you are at the same time.
Golf is a game of precision, discipline, and, most importantly, understanding. The fundamentals, often referred to as the “basics,” are the cornerstone of any good golf game. As a coach, I’ve spent countless hours working with golfers of all levels, and one truth remains consistent—if your fundamentals are off, your game will struggle. Yet, there’s a lot of misinformation out there about what truly constitutes the basics. In this blog, we’ll explore what is true and what isn’t when it comes to the fundamentals of golf, and why these basics are non-negotiable if you want to create the ball flight you desire.
The Truth About Grip: It’s Not One-Size-Fits-All
One of the most common misconceptions I encounter is the idea that there’s a universal “correct” grip that every golfer should use. While grip is undeniably critical, the truth is that the perfect grip is unique to each individual. Your grip needs to match your natural swing tendencies and the type of ball flight you’re trying to achieve. Whether it’s a strong, weak or neutral grip with your trail and lead hand the key is finding the one that fits your natural body type and allows you to control the swing direction and club face consistently through impact.
Exploring how your body moves and how your left and right hand should be on the golf club is super important. Your trail arm directs so much of your golf swing. Our grip needs to be thought more of as how we orient our hands to the club face. Our lead hand can be suited towards how well we move through impact.
Here is the test for your trail hand grip: Get into golf posture, place your hands together, keeping your chest quiet swing your hands up to chest high allowing your trail arm to fold naturally. Notice how your trail arm folds, and where the trail hand palm points and that reveals which grip is best for you, and how to match it with your ideal takeaway.
As I often say to my students, the grip is your only connection to the club, and it significantly influences your swing path and club face angle. Therefore, experimenting with different grips under professional guidance is essential to discover what works best for you. If you’re unsure where to start, I’ve covered this in detail in our Grip Fundamentals section on the website. Additionally, my YouTube channel offers step-by-step grip tutorials that can help you fine-tune this critical aspect of your game.
Posture: The Foundation of Every Swing
Another fundamental that often gets oversimplified is posture. Many golfers are taught to adopt a “textbook” posture—knees slightly bent, back straight, and arms hanging naturally. While this is a solid starting point, the truth is that posture should be dynamic, not static. The best golfers in the world adjust their posture to suit their swing style, physical build, and even the type of shot they’re attempting.
In my experience, the most effective posture is one that allows you to maintain balance throughout the swing while enabling a full shoulder turn. If you’re too rigid in your setup, you’ll likely struggle with flexibility and power. Conversely, if you’re too relaxed, you might lose the structure necessary for consistent ball striking. It’s all about finding a posture that feels athletic and balanced, one that you can repeat under pressure. For more insights on finding the right posture, check out our detailed guide on Posture and Setup.
Alignment: More Than Just Parallel Lines
Alignment is another aspect of the basics that is often misunderstood. While some think it’s true that your feet, hips, and shoulders should be aligned parallel to your target line, the reality is that alignment is more about creating the conditions for the ball flight you want. For instance, if you’re trying to hit a draw, your stance might be slightly closed, while a fade might require an open stance.
What’s crucial here is understanding that alignment isn’t just about where your body points—it’s about where the club face is aiming at impact. The alignment of your body helps set up the club face to be square, open, or closed at the moment of truth. Therefore, practicing your alignment with a purpose is essential. Experiment on the range, and don’t be afraid to adjust your stance based on the shot you’re trying to hit. Read more about these topics in my blog on EJS Golf.
The Myth of a Perfect Swing Path
One of the most persistent myths in golf is that there is a “perfect” swing path that all golfers should strive for. This couldn’t be further from the truth. The ideal swing path is entirely dependent on the matchups between your swing mechanics, grip, alignment, and intended ball flight. Some of the greatest golfers of all time, such as Ben Hogan and Lee Trevino, had swing paths that would be considered unconventional by today’s standards. Yet, they were incredibly effective because their swing paths matched their overall game.
Understanding that your swing path should be tailored to your specific strengths and goals is critical. A slightly inside-out path might be perfect for someone looking to hit a draw, while an outside-in path might suit a player who favors a fade. The key is to work with a coach to identify the swing path that matches your desired ball flight and then practice it until it becomes second nature. For those looking to refine their swing path, reach out to me via social media or directly via email. Remember I have tons of information for you on my YouTube page as well.
Tempo: The Glue That Holds It All Together
Tempo is often described as the “glue” that holds a golf swing together, and I couldn’t agree more. However, there’s a lot of misinformation out there about what constitutes a “good” tempo. Some say it’s all about having a slow backswing, while others preach the virtues of a fast, aggressive downswing. The truth is, your tempo should be natural and rhythmical, something that complements your overall swing mechanics and keeps your timing in sync.
From my years of coaching, I’ve seen that golfers who struggle with tempo often do so because they’re trying to impose an artificial rhythm on their swing. Instead, the best tempo is one that feels effortless and allows you to maintain control from start to finish. Whether your natural tempo is fast, slow, or somewhere in between, the goal is to make sure it’s consistent.
Impact Position: The Non-Negotiable Truth
When it comes to the basics of golf, there’s one non-negotiable truth: everything you do in your swing should be centered around achieving a solid impact position. Impact is where the rubber meets the road—it’s the moment that determines the ball’s trajectory, spin, and distance. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, the goal of every swing should be to arrive at impact with the clubface square to the target, the hands ahead of the ball, and the body in a balanced, athletic position.
I’ve worked with golfers who have beautiful backswings and picture-perfect follow-throughs but struggle with inconsistency because their impact position is flawed. The truth is, a great impact position can make up for many other deficiencies in your swing. Conversely, a poor impact position will lead to erratic ball flight, regardless of how good the rest of your swing looks. For a deeper dive into the mechanics of a solid impact position reach out to me via EJS Golf.
The Fallacy of Universal Golf Tips
In the world of golf instruction, you’ll find plenty of “universal” tips that claim to work for every golfer. However, the reality is that golf is a game of matchups—what works for one player may not work for another. This is why it’s so important to tailor your approach to your unique strengths, weaknesses, and goals.
For example, a tip about keeping your head still might be beneficial for some golfers but detrimental for others who need more freedom of movement to generate power. Similarly, advice on swing plane or weight transfer might need to be adapted based on your specific body type and flexibility. As a coach, my job is to help you identify the principles that work for you and discard the ones that don’t.
Building a Foundation for Consistent Ball Flight
At the end of the day, the goal of mastering the basics is to create a repeatable swing that delivers consistent ball flight. This is the ultimate measure of success in golf—not how pretty your swing looks, but how consistently it produces the results you want. To achieve this, you need to understand the cause-and-effect relationships between your swing mechanics and the ball’s flight. This understanding allows you to make adjustments on the fly, whether you’re on the practice range or in the heat of competition.
Every aspect of your swing—from grip and posture to alignment and tempo—should be geared towards producing the ball flight that matches your intended target. If you’re slicing the ball, you need to diagnose whether it’s due to an open clubface, an outside-in swing path, or poor alignment. If you’re hooking the ball, you need to consider whether your grip is too strong or your stance too closed. The beauty of golf is that once you understand these fundamentals, you have the power to control your game. For more on how to build a swing that produces consistent results, check out my other blog articles and YouTube page.
Conclusion: Why Basics are Non-Negotiable
In conclusion, the basics of golf are not just starting points—they are the non-negotiable building blocks of a successful golf game. While there’s room for individualization and adaptation, certain truths about grip, posture, alignment, and impact position remain constant. These fundamentals are the foundation upon which you can build a game that is not only effective but also adaptable to any situation you face on the course.
As you continue to develop your skills, remember that golf is all about matchups. Your job is to find the combination of fundamentals that work for you and stick with them. This approach will not only help you achieve the ball flight you desire but also make the game more enjoyable and less frustrating. I encourage you to keep exploring and experimenting, but always return to the basics—they are your compass in the ever-changing landscape of golf.
For more in-depth discussions, tips, and personalized coaching, be sure to visit the rest of the site and subscribe to my YouTube channel for the latest updates. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your game, I’m here to help you on your journey to becoming a better golfer. Remember, you do not need to commit to more than 15 minutes per day to get some incredible results.
This blog post serves as a comprehensive foundation for golfers at all levels. By focusing on the essentials and dispelling common myths, it sets the stage for future content that delves deeper into specific aspects of the game. As you build out your website, each of these topics can be expanded into individual posts, further establishing your authority in the field of golf instruction.
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What makes the basics of golf “non-negotiable”?
The basics of golf, such as grip, posture, alignment, and impact position, are non-negotiable because they form the foundation of every successful golf swing. Without mastering these fundamentals, your game will lack consistency, and you’ll struggle to control the ball flight. While there is room for personal adaptation within these basics, the underlying principles must be adhered to for reliable results. These basics are the building blocks that support all other aspects of your game.
How do I know if my grip is correct for my swing?
The right grip is one that feels natural, allows you to control the club face, and complements your swing path. A simple way to test your grip is by hitting a few shots with different grip styles and paying attention to the ball flight. If your shots are consistently accurate and the club face is square at impact, you’re likely using a grip that works for you. Look at my other blogs on EJS Golf to learn more.
Why is alignment so crucial in golf, and how can I improve mine?
Alignment is crucial because it sets the stage for your entire swing and directly influences where the ball goes. Proper alignment ensures that your body is positioned correctly in relation to the target, helping you hit the ball on your intended line. To improve your alignment, practice with alignment sticks or use visual markers on the range. Regularly check your stance, hips, and shoulders to ensure they are parallel to your target line. You can learn more about this by coming to see me in person or I can help you online.
Is there a “perfect” swing path, or does it vary for each golfer?
There is no one-size-fits-all “perfect” swing path; it varies depending on your natural tendencies, the ball flight you desire, and how your swing mechanics come together. The key is finding a swing path that matches your overall game and consistently produces the ball flight you want. For example, a slightly inside-out path may be ideal for hitting a draw, while an outside-in path could be better for a fade.
What role does tempo play in maintaining a consistent golf swing?
Tempo is the rhythm of your swing and plays a critical role in maintaining consistency. A good tempo ensures that all parts of your swing work together harmoniously, allowing you to control your timing and power. Whether your natural tempo is fast or slow, the most important thing is to keep it consistent throughout your swing. This consistency helps with timing at impact, leading to better shots. If you’re struggling with tempo, I recommend exploring my YouTube page on my site for tips and drills.
