A Proper Setup Looks Open // Ask Mike // Malaska Golf

Mike responds to a question from Linda Crass (Atascadero, CA). Find out why pros set up with the clubface looking open and amateurs overcorrect.

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[lightshadow]

Staying golf for 30 years, been to pros for lessons.
I have always had trouble with consistent contact with irons . Playing a 5. Index, I have always closed or hooded the club.
When I hit it flush it’s left 80 percent of the time.
If I flip, it’s the dreaded shank or a miss!
This has never been told I’m so many words! Usually only when talking about bunker shots or pitches.
This is gold!

[ObnoxiousProduction]

This is probably the most IMPORTANT information that no one ever teaches... I have been golfing for about a year and half now, and I have always had trouble with a fade or slice. Like others, I have always tried to address the ball with the face already closed. This video helped me make much better contact and drastically improved shot shape and distance. I can actually release the club now without having to force an angle to make decent contact. I guess you could say this ultimately caused me to swing through the ball, instead of at it. Thank you a million!

[patrickhoward]

I’ve played golf for 30 years and just now figured this out. Struggled my whole life with a draw/overdraw…I have always been setting up behind the ball with a square to target face. Wow…this was a game changer for me! Thanks for posting!

[Ipdex]

AMAZING. Been playing golf for 30 yrs, got down to 5 & never realised this even after countless lessons. Tks Mike. Russell, a Brit 👍

[josephwirtz]

Been playing for decades…how did I not realize this! Thanks again Mike for enlightening me!

[tonysmock]

Been struggling since I changed grip slightly stronger and I know I’m setting club up to closed at address from this video . Ahhh ha moment I hope will find out tomorrow. Simplest and most understandable teacher I’ve seen or heard!!!👏👏👏

[wally]

oh wow, the light just came on. I noticed Mike slightly opening his iron club face during one of his videos and I asked about it but never got a reply. Now I find this question asked and Mike answered by doing this video, great. I tried this in my round yesterday, I was always a pretty good striker with my irons, but this slight change was what really turned the light on(so to speak). The sound and the distance now is just wow, what a difference, a loud click and the ball is flying farther than ever, unbelievable. Thanks for explaining this Mike.

[captainlou]

Your explanations have simplified the game for me! I'm amazed at how simple the mechanics can be and how we've complicated it all. I've seen more improvements in my swing since watching your videos than I have reading articles and watching other videos. Thank you

[z-man]

So simple, yet such a huge factor in why so many amateurs (myself included) struggle with solid, consistent ball contact. Thanks Mike!

[larrybeavens]

Man, this is an “aha” moment for me, and I’ve played the game for 65 years. I don’t remember anyone ever talking about this. No wonder I’ve spent my entire life fighting the pull hook. Amazing…

[joed]

This should be taught before any lesson given. Great job sir.

[coburn_karma]

Man, I knew my instincts were correct, but was always persuaded by friends to square the face at set I never had an instructor tell me this, they always say to square the face. Resulting in poor contact. Thank you for this vital information.

[lanemartin]

Thanks for the great explanation of this important set up detail. This is something I’ve questioned over the years, but has never been pointed out or explained.

[xRLJohnsx]

I’ve seen very little of this kind of explaining across the internet, quite surprising honestly. I’ve long thought my instinctual set up with the club face that appears to be open is a swing fault, but this explanation all but confirmed it’s proper physics. Thanks for such an easy to understand explanation.

I just found your video and this is exactly the problem I've been struggling with. Having had a horrible slice for a number of years I've progressively closed the face of my clubs to eliminate this but instead now struggle with the pull hook with the majority of my shots now going low-left. I'm playing tomorrow and will definitely try this method at address 😀

[johnelder]

Question, are you griping the club slightly open or opening with hands?

[pfox]

I didn’t know this. I’ve always been setting up closed! You are a legend

[jonq]

For my entire life I've had a wicked slice, I've made several swing mechanical improvements this season and now I'm hitting a hook, which with the longer the club obviously gets worse and worse. Mike just explained to me why, and it has everything to do with my club face at address because I was having sit behind the ball square which caused my problems... the hook and the dig of the butt of the club he also mentioned. Can't wait to go to the range to give this a test.

[--gaming]

I think this is going to work great for me. My bad shot is a pull hook.

[joed]

This video proves why u want to learn from Malaska golf guys!!! U will learn what u need to!!!!