May 6, 2008 -- Beginning golfers are always focused on improving their flawed swings. What many of them don't understand is that their swings may be doomed before they even get started because of an improper set up.

A good golf swing is a work of art. (Getty Images)

The set up in golf is defined as the position of the golfer takes before the club starts it swing. The components of the set up include the postural position the player takes; the positioning of the ball in relation to the stance; the stance itself including weight distribution; and the muscular readiness of the player.

To have the right posture the golfer should maintain an erect spine structure (no slumping) with the bend forward coming from the hip sockets. The hip sockets themselves should be pushed backward behind the heels. This creates the forward spine angle.

Ball position is determined by the club you are using and the desired trajectory of the shot. The grip end of the club should be where the lead arm falls from the shoulder socket. The angle of the club shaft will move the ball position from under the lead shoulder with a driver to under the sternum for wedge shots.

For the stance the ankles should be placed as wide as the shoulder joints and the weight spread across the feet as it is when you are standing tall. With the hips positioned behind the heels the knees should be slightly flexed to create a bent-forward position of balance.

The spine needs to tilt toward the trail side (away from the target) so the trail hand is lower then the lead hand. The tilting of the spine forward from the hips and toward the trail side sets your sternum pointing toward the ball and determines the center of rotation for the swing.

When you have your body in the set up position you need to monitor the amount of tension in each muscle group. Try to keep your body position so that your balance is stable and the muscles are ready for motion.

The set up position has a major influence on both distance and direction of the shot, and thus is a critical element of consistent performance. Even experienced players can benefit by having an expert review their set up from time to time, and during the month of May golfers of all abilities are encouraged to take advantage of PGA Free Lesson Month, when they can receive a free, 10-minute lesson from a participating PGA Professional.

A PGA Free Lesson is a great opportunity to have an expert review your set up, as well as the other principals we are reviewing in this column, but the real benefit of the promotion is that it gives you a taste of the PGA Professional's individual teaching style and insight into how much he or she can help your game through a series of lessons.

To find a PGA Professional near you who is participating in PGA Free Lesson Month, visit www.PlayGolfAmerica.com and click on the PGA Free Lesson Month link, then use the zip code search. PGA Professionals who registered by a certain date earlier this month are also listed in the May issue of Golf Digest.

In our next column on the principals of the golf swing, we will discuss the swing plane. Until then, here's to better golf!