There’s lots of pieces that make up a good golf swing, but posture is one of the most important, says Brian Spitz, a golf professional at Golf Town’s Avon location.

Spitz writes:

“Watching golf is boring, right? It takes so long for those professionals to hit a golf shot. With all the waggling, wiggling, and wobbling, trying to get comfortable, just what are they doing out there?

“They are preparing themselves to hit a ball at a target with balance, coordination, power, speed, explosiveness, and consistency. In order to hit the ball the same every time, we must set up to the ball the same every time. The setup includes grip, ball position, alignment, and posture. We will focus on the posture.

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“The posture affects how we move our feet, knees, hips, shoulders, arms, hands, and club, so getting these pieces in the right places is very important. Let’s start with a drill/exercise to get you in the right positions.

“First, grab a golf club in both hands and hold it out in front of you like you were holding a barbell. Stand up tall and look straight ahead with your feet shoulder and hip width apart. With one hand positioned on the grip and the other hand on the shaft, put the golf club shaft along your belt line.

“While still standing up straight, push the club shaft back into your hips so they bend you in about a 35-degree angle, then slightly flex your knees. Lastly, take your golf grip on the club and hang your arms out in front of you like you are going to hit a ball.

“You should use a mirror to see that your spine is straight, chin away from chest, bent over at the hips (35-degree angle), knees slightly flexed, and arms hanging relaxed from shoulders. I’d suggest performing the drill in two sets of 10 repetitions.

“Now, you are balanced, athletic, and ready to perform with consistency and power.”