We had a question from Mike S. Mike asks, “I know this is off topic but I, being a right handed golfer, am having problems getting through the ball and up to the T-Finish. I can't get up on my back right foot / toe. I do have arthritis in the left ankle and less flexibility in the left hip. Does it make sense to open my stance slightly to allow better turning through to the left side?”
Absolutely, Mike, absolutely. First off, let me just say, this is not off topic. If it involves anything to do with setup and swing and how your body moves in setting up and swinging, then we're not off topic. This is a great topic. Because why? The setup determines the swing.
Because your arthritis is causing a problem with you being able to turn and reach your left side, and we turn a lot less than rotational swingers. They're turning where there right shoulder is lined up to the target! We're turning only where the torso is square to the target. The other guys are turning at least 90 and up to 150 degrees. If you still have problems doing it (T-Finish), then absolutely, open up your left or front foot more.
But when you open it you must make sure the toes stay on the toe line. That's the key. Remember, one of the big things about the Peak Performance Golf Swing setup and swing, we have parameters, and as long as you stay within the parameters, then you can make an effective golf swing. Yes, open up the left foot more. As you open your toe up, you're going to keep it on the toe line. Remember, the width of the stance is determined by the heels, not toes.
In my case my feet are both flared out tremendously. I have more flare in both my feet than the recommended 30 degrees, especially on the left. My left foot is never any less than about 45 degrees open. I can actually place my left foot pointing at the target, which is almost 90 degrees left of the aiming line, and still hit really good shots. I've done it and played golf that way.
The key is for you to go through some trial and error and see how much you can open your foot and how much freer and smoother and easier and less stress on your left ankle, knee and hip and even your shoulders, where you can do it in good balance.
It shouldn't take more than a couple swings to find your new position to make sure you can get over there balanced, up to balanced T-Finished. But by all means, open up the foot, experiment with how much you can open it to alleviate any pain and reduce stress, but still have a good flowing and balanced swing to a balanced finish.
So, open it up and let it fly.
The Surge!