Closed Golf Stance- Pros, Cons and How to Try It

The closed golf stance is an alignment strategy that can significantly influence how a golfer’s swing path develops. For right-handed players in particular, this approach involves placing the feet so that the toe line points slightly to the right of the target, which triggers a swing path that moves from the inside to the outside. Golfers who struggle with slicing or want more controlled shot shaping often turn to this stance to encourage a draw-like ball flight.

This article centers on how to understand and apply the closed golf stance. It begins by defining what the closed stance is, clarifies its underlying mechanics, explores its advantages and potential drawbacks, briefly compares it to other stance options, and concludes with practical insights for golfers who want to experiment and refine their technique.

Defining the Closed Golf Stance

A closed golf stance is established by positioning the body so the toe line for the right foot aims a few degrees right of the target. This setup emphasizes an inward rotation that influences the path of the swing. In contrast to more neutral setups, which keep the feet square to the target line, the closed stance relies on subtle cues from the feet that guide the body into a specific alignment.

Foot and Body Alignment

When standing over the ball, the left foot usually remains rather square to the target line, while the right foot is rotated inward so that its toes aim just off the line. This difference in foot positioning prompts the hips and shoulders to rotate in a similar fashion. As a result, the torso and lower body work together in a more inside-to-out pattern, which can encourage a draw or promote more efficient contact. Despite how slight these shifts may seem, they can greatly influence both the direction and shape of the shot.

Weight Distribution

The closed stance often leads golfers to place a bit more weight on the back foot at setup, creating a foundation that can help with a smoother transition during the downswing. This shift should not be drastic—rather, it is a gentle emphasis on the trail side that fosters control. With the weight slightly favoring the rear foot, many golfers find it easier to coax out a draw-like flight, in part because their swinging motion stays on an inside track as they move through the ball.

Mastering these details of foot placement, shoulder alignment, and weight distribution allows a golfer to lay the groundwork for a controlled, consistent swing path. Recognizing how a closed stance looks and feels is a starting point for any player interested in exploring this approach.

Benefits and Considerations

One of the most compelling reasons to adopt a closed stance is its potential to correct or mitigate a slice. By rotating the right foot inward to encourage an inside-to-out swing path, many golfers notice improved ball flight and greater consistency. This setup can also help generate a bit more draw, adding a level of shot shaping that reduces reliance on hands-only corrections at impact. Teachers and coaches often suggest experimenting with a mild closed stance when a student’s first priority is to straighten out recurring left-to-right curvature (for a right-handed golfer).

Yet, there are caveats to overdoing the closed stance. Some players find that strongly rotating the feet inward disrupts their natural rhythm, leading to tension or making it difficult to release through impact. An overly closed stance can also hinder adaptability on longer approach shots, limiting the range of motion in the legs and torso. Determining how much to close the feet often requires experimentation, as golfers may need to fine-tune their alignment based on the shot they wish to play, the club they are using, or the conditions that day.

Comparing with Alternative Stance Options

Golfers who are accustomed to an open stance might wonder how the closed stance differs. In an open stance, for right-handed players, the left foot rotates outward so that it points left of the intended target line. This positioning naturally opens the body, promoting a more vertical or upright backswing. Some golfers gravitate toward an open stance to encourage a fade, or to reduce stress on the lower back by limiting how much the hips have to turn.

In contrast, the closed stance provides room for a more inward takeaway, which can create a draw-like flight and address slice tendencies. The open approach places emphasis on a more direct path down the target line, while the closed stance generates a gentle in-to-out motion. Understanding how each stance modifies the swing arc helps golfers recognize why they might choose a closed stance to promote better shot shaping and consistency.

Real-World Application and Fine-Tuning

Many professional golfers have employed variations of the closed stance to great effect. Nick Faldo is known for owning a precise, repeatable swing that at times contained an inward foot alignment to shape the ball from right to left. Sergio Garcia has also demonstrated how a slightly closed position can foster a controlled, penetrating ball flight. These examples show that even the most skilled players see value in foot alignment tweaks that encourage an inside-to-out path.

Senior golfers often find the closed stance particularly appealing. Over time, flexibility can diminish, making it more challenging to execute powerful rotational moves. A mildly closed stance can alleviate some of the strain on the hips and back, allowing for a smoother motion that still provides strong contact. By guiding the shoulders and torso through a simpler, less abrupt turn, senior golfers may extend their ability to play consistently over full rounds.

Refining a closed stance ultimately involves exploring subtle changes without forcing the swing into an uncomfortable position. At the practice range, a golfer might begin with their usual stance, then rotate the right foot inward by a small increment. Observing how the shoulders and hips respond can reveal whether the body remains relaxed or if it becomes overly tense. Adjusting weight distribution toward the back foot is another variable to test, checking whether the shift improves shot shape and consistency. This simpler, intentional approach helps identify the right balance between comfortable posture and an effective inside-to-out swing path.

Conclusion

Adopting a closed stance can be a game changer for golfers seeking more control and an effective antidote to slicing. By slightly rotating the right foot inward, the body may find a natural alignment that promotes a gentle draw and encourages dependable shot shaping.

However, an overly closed stance can bring its own limitations, so personal experimentation is paramount. Through careful practice and thoughtful observation, golfers can unlock the sweet spot where a comfortably closed stance merges seamlessly with their natural swing rhythm.