[Kim Maengnyeong's Golf English Conversation] "Should Beginners Use a Square Stance?"

Beginners take a square stance, which makes it easier to hit the ball and provides good directionality.

In golf, the width between the two feet is called the 'stance.'

There are three types of stance depending on the position of the feet: the square stance, the open stance, and the closed stance. When the tips of both feet are aligned side by side, it is called a square stance; if the right foot is positioned half a step forward toward the target, it is an open stance; conversely, if the right foot is placed half a step back, it is a closed stance. Let's take a look at the characteristics of each stance.

▲ Square stance = Both feet are parallel to the target line. A square stance means the feet are parallel to the target line. At address, position the tips of both feet in a straight line and stand with your body perfectly horizontal to the target direction. This is the most common stance for beginners. It is easy to control the direction of the shot and allows comfortable body rotation. It can improve straightness.

▲ Open stance = Keep the right foot in the square position and slightly pull the left foot back, opening it about 15-20 degrees toward the direction of the shot. This stance makes it easier to rotate to the left, which is advantageous for approach shots or bunker shots where directionality is important. For a chip shot or a sand shot, take an open stance. This stance is also used intentionally when playing a fade.

▲ Closed stance = Position the right foot slightly behind the left foot. This is suitable for golfers who have difficulty rotating their body during the backswing. If you usually have a severe slice, adopting a closed stance can create an inside-to-outside (IN-OUT) swing path, allowing you to play a draw shot. Remember that golfers who usually hit a draw or a severe hook tend to curve more sharply to the left.

A: Would you check my stance?

B: Yes. Let me see, your stance is a closed stance. A closed stance will encourage an inside-to-outside swing path, causing a draw.

A: What is an open stance in golf?

B: An open stance may encourage an outside-to-inside swing path and may give golfers a little more opportunity to slice.

A: Thanks.

Written and photographed by Kim Maengnyeong, Golf Columnist