Find your balance

Set your weight correctly, and you'll hit it pure

By Tom Watson

Photos By Stephen Szurlej

October 2006

Proper weight distribution is crucial to maintaining good balance and posture throughout the swing. When I see players struggling to make solid contact, one of the first things I check is where they set their weight at address.

Weight too far forward

Your weight should be 50-50 on your left and right legs and between the balls of your feet (those cushioned pads just below your toes) and your heels. I'm surprised how many people think their weight should be supported by their toes. Starting with your weight too far forward is one of the worst mistakes you can make. It throws off all of the critical angles—spine, legs, hips, shoulders and head. That creates a domino effect, resulting in a weak swing and fat shots.

Weight on your heels

Setting your weight on your heels is not as bad as leaning over too far, but it still causes problems, namely thin contact.

Here's an exercise for checking your weight distribution: If your weight is set properly at address, you can't be easily pushed off balance—either forward or backward.

Watch the pros. They shuffle their feet around at address to find a balanced position. And they don't swing until their feet are set. Neither should you.