GASP for Consistency

The most common request for help comes in a cry for consistency.

While it is doubtful that anyone will master the game and hit every shot perfectly, there is one way we can guarantee a more consistent game.  All the top players and instructors agree on one thing.  In order to build a consistent swing one must have a consistent pre-shot routine.  Here is a method or procedure that will increase your consistency at address, and, therefore, in your swing and shot making.  Visualize in your minds eye the shot you would like to hit, and picture the flight of the ball.

Select a club that will give you the correct distance and trajectory for that shot.  Standing behind the ball and viewing the target, imagine a line drawn along the ground from the ball to the target.

Now you are ready to G.A.S.P.  This acronym stands for grip, aim, stance, and posture—the correct setup procedure that will make you more consistent.

What should happen?

GRIP the club in the fingers of both hands with the V’s formed between the thumb and forefinger on each hand and running parallel to one another.  The V’s will point somewhere between your chin and your right shoulder.

If you have a tendency to slice, turn both V’s to point to the right shoulder.

If you have a tendency to hook, turn both V’s to point more to the chin.

AIM the bottom edge of the club perpendicular to the target line, with the base of the club soled flush on the ground, so that the correct amount of loft is showing for that particular club.

Because the top edge of the club is not parallel to the bottom edge, the top edge will not be aligned squarely to the target line, but will be slightly open.

STANCE should be with the butt end of the club hitting at or slightly forward of the center of your body.  Align the feet, knees, hips, and particularly shoulders, parallel to the target line.  The stance should be shoulder width apart, with the front foot turned slightly out to allow for proper hip rotation.

POSTURE should be erect, with the spine straight.  There should be a bend at the waist so that the shoulders hang directly over your toes and the knees are flexed and hang directly over the shoelaces.  Your hips should be directly over your heels so that the weight is on the flats of your feet.

REMEMBER: The correct grip and aim of your club will help you consistently control the club face, reducing the tendency to hook or slice.  The correct alignment of the club and body will help produce a more consistent swing path and allow you to hit more shots toward your target.  The correct posture will produce a more consistent swing plane resulting in better ball striking and distance.  So remember, your pre-shot routine spells G.A.S.P.: Grip, Aim, Stance, and Posture.