Your stance alignment, square, open or closed, influences your swing path, how freely you turn and the shape of your shots. Most golfers use a square stance for full shots, but open and closed stances have useful roles, from the short game to shaping shots and helping less flexible golfers turn. Here's how they work.
Directions are for right-handed golfers. Left-handers should reverse them.
The three stances
| Stance | Feet aimed | Tends to promote |
|---|---|---|
| Square | Parallel to target line | Neutral path |
| Open | Left of target line | Out-to-in path, fade, easier rotation through |
| Closed | Right of target line | In-to-out path, draw, bigger backswing turn |
Read golf alignment: how to aim.
When to use an open stance
- Chips and pitches: a slightly open stance helps you rotate through and see the line. Read how to chip in golf.
- Bunker shots: an open stance with an open face. Read how to hit bunker shots.
- Lob shots. Read how to hit a lob shot.
- Fades: read how to hit a draw and a fade.
- Golfers with limited hip rotation through impact.
When to use a closed stance
- Draws.
- Golfers with limited backswing turn: pulling the trail foot back helps you turn. Read golf swing with limited flexibility.
- Fixing an over-the-top path, in combination with other changes. Read how to fix a slice.
Feet vs shoulders
The shoulders have a bigger influence on swing path than the feet. An open stance with closed shoulders can produce unexpected results. Check both with alignment sticks. Read alignment stick drills.
Common mistakes
- Accidentally open or closed stances that cause unwanted curves.
- Changing the stance without adjusting the face.
- Extreme stances that limit balance.
Frequently asked questions
What is an open stance in golf?
Feet aimed left of the target line (for right-handers).
Should I use an open stance for chipping?
Many golfers use a slightly open stance for chips and pitches.
Does a closed stance help a slice?
It can encourage an in-to-out path, but check your shoulders and face too.
Which stance should I use for full shots?
Usually square, unless you're deliberately shaping the ball.
The bottom line
Use a square stance for most full shots, an open stance in the short game and for fades, and a closed stance for draws or extra turn. Keep your shoulders in check and use stance changes on purpose. For more fundamentals, read golf posture at address.