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Posture and Spine Angle

Good posture creates room to turn and a consistent low point, which means consistent contact. It's the difference between an athletic swing and a stiff one.

Down-the-line view of an athletic golf posture with hip hinge and spine angle at address
Hinge from the hips — not the waist — let your arms hang naturally, and keep a straight back with a slight knee flex. That spine angle is what gives you room to turn and a consistent low point.

Step by step

  1. Stand tall with the club out in front of you, then hinge forward from your hips — not your waist — pushing your backside back slightly.
  2. Let your arms hang naturally straight down from your shoulders until the club reaches the ground.
  3. Add a slight flex to your knees and keep your back straight (neither arched nor slumped).
  4. Lift your chin away from your chest to make room for your shoulders to turn under it.

Check yourself

  • Your arms hang freely with a little space between your hands and your thighs.
  • Your weight is centered and balanced over your feet.
  • A club laid along your back would touch your tailbone, upper back, and the back of your head.

Common mistakes

  • Hunching from the waist and rounding the back, which restricts your turn.
  • Standing too upright or too far from the ball.
  • Tucking the chin into the chest so the shoulders can't rotate past it.
Go deeper: Posture Basics — Every Full Swing form

A beginner refresher only — not professional instruction. See a PGA pro for swing changes.