Something I've struggled with since picking up golf in 2020 after Covid restrictions lifted is the Hip bump at address. I've only known the S/T system as I found Tom S. on Youtube and love the swing as I never have adverse pain. I've gone back and forth with straight stance vs hip bump at address. I feel more comfortable with the straight stance but Tom S. teaches the hip bump as part of S/T. I know Tom S. has our best interest at heart, so I keep trying the hip bump. So.... I played 18 on a 9 hole course so the front 9 was straight stance and the back 9 was hip bump. Being the holes were identical felt it was a good experiment. Score was an 84, now I did have one mulligan so I can't claim the score but either way it would have been an 86 worse case. My best score ever. The front 9 was 41 "straight stance", back 9 was 43 "hip bump". Pretty much equal.
I have to "stick" with one or the other stance at address so am I missing out on modifying S/T with no hip bump at address? What technical advantages might I be missing by going with a straight stance?
Thanks,
Tom
@tom miller - The answer to your question is go with whatever helps you play more consistently. (but don't recommend switching back and forth) There are pros/cons to both techniques.
The preset hip bump really helps those with limited mobility (or anybody for that matter) to have clean contact as there is no forward shift in the transition. You are in the proper position to just turn and hit the ball. Also, keep in mind that some days you may be more mobile than others, so this will definitely help with consistency.
The "K" stance or straight stance as you call it might POSSIBLY offer more distance because....physics man. Key word there is possibly. The momentum of the weight shifting has potentially for a few more yards, BUT that assumes that you can get clean contact.
Personally, I preset a small hip bump. I get good contact and I don't have to spend time practicing the hip bump, which is the hardest part of the swing to learn and maintain (in my humble opinion).