GOLF.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXI, Issue 18821, 11 July 1923, Page 6

GOLF.

STANCE AND GRIP SARAZEN FAVOURS THE OPEN POSITION. EXACT POSITION OF HANDS AND FEET IN NEGOTIATING VARIOUS SHOTS DESCRIBED. (By Gene Sarazen.) Recently I wrote an article on how various stars grip their clubs. It is essential that you learn the correct method of holding the club if you wish to develop a good game. Having done that, it is important that you then work out the stance for addressing your shots. Naturally the stance varies with each shot. Also there are several different ways of addressing the ball, even in making the same shot. Let us consider first of all the stance for the drive. In addressing my tee shot I use a stance that is slightly open. The distance between my feet is something like 23 inches. From the right toe to the ball is 35 inches and from the left toe the distance measures 37 inches. The length of my driver is about 424 inches. Were you to drive a straight line and place the ball on it you would find my right foot was advanced two inches more than the left. That means the line from toe to toe is slightly diagonal.

I use the open stance for all my shots, except the chip stroke and in putting, and in each case the right foot is two inches nearer the ball, although of course the distance between my feet and the distance from the feet to the ball vary. What I am getting at, though, is that an open stance doesen’t mean your feet must be spread wide apart, or that the right foot must be advanced six or ten inches ahead ot the left. That would be Incorrect for any player. Some golfers, who are taller than I am, will of course stand with feet further apart than 23 inches in addressing their tee shots, but the proportion would be the same. My height is 5 feet 4. Still I believe 1 Kgnd with feet spread pretty far apart and 1 ■wouldn't advise the average man to increase the distance much beyond two feet. The advantage of the open stance, as I see it, is that it enables you to get your body and right shoulder into the blow- a little more effectively than you could otherwise. TAKE NATURAL POSITION With an open stance your -hi shoulder is generally d position helps you to keep and thus there is little du. your topping your shots. NeverJieless, I don’t advise all plaj’ers tc use the open stance. For many the square stance is better—especially for those who are inclined to pivot considerably. Jim Barnes is one of the stars who uses the open stance successfully. But Hutchinson. Hagen, Jones and many others address the ball from a square stance.

Never stand with feet too fay apart. On the other hand doii’t stand with feet so close together; yon can’t get set for a good swing. As 1 stated above two feet is a good average in the width of tho feet on the drive whether you use the open or square stance. Which of the two you should use you will really have to work out for yourself or with the aid of your professional. In addressing the ball take the position that is most natural; it Is an easy matter to adjust the distances for the shots. I would say, However, to tno-e who are inclined to slice and who use the open stance that they would probably get better results It they changed over to the square stance. And vice versa—if you find you are hooking your shots and do not seem to be able to correct your trouble without changing your feet, providing you are using the square stance, try advancing the right foot. The toes of each foot on any kind of stance should point outward slightly. On all your wooden shots it is best, I believe, to play the ball more off the left foot than the right —you. are then able to get the clubbead into the ball with more speed than you would if you had to nit from behind—about six inches from the left heel is a good average position. And remember always to have the left arm in straight line with the club. That is about the distance you should stand away from the ball, although don’t carry it to extrem< and stand so far away you'll have to reach out to hit it. THE FORWARD PRESS. When you are In a position to h!1. your arms should be relaxed somewhat; in fact, it is well to reflax the whole body a bit to rid yourself of the feeling of stiffness. In addressing my shots I always have my right knee Inclined towards the ball. Before hitting the shot be sure the weight of the body is down on the heels, that you are set and balanced so that there will be no sway of the body, or slipping of feet. Before you start your back-swing have more of the weight on the right foot. Remember, too, not to stoop over the ball, nor should you stand too erect. Just as easy, natural position is what you want to get power. And of course the eye must always be kept, on the bull until after it Is stru ck. In starting the back-swing many players press forward a little with the club-head—that is, they lean on the club somewhat to make sure they are In a position to hit—l do it myself. This is called the forward press and is best exemplified in the play ot George Duncan. As you move on to the midiron, the mashie and the mashie-niblick, unless you are making a very long shot with that particular club, you advance t-ke feet nearer the ball. But keep in mind always the advice that, the left arm should be practically in straight line with the club. A straight left arm is the secret of most good shots.