How to Set Up Properly with the Driver | Titleist Tips

No one gets worse at golf by setting up better to the ball. That is the starting point for everything Jason Baile teaches about the driver - and the setup is exactly where most golfers lose shots before the swing even starts.

The key is understanding how the rib cage, arms and ball position all work together to create the right conditions for the driver. The rib cage is an elliptical canister that needs to bend forward, towards the ball. It also needs to tilt slightly right, away from the target and rotate slightly to the left (for a right-handed golfer). Positioning the rib cage correctly at the address sets the foundation for everything else.

From there it is more important to get the arms right. The right elbow should point at the right hip pocket and the left elbow faces out toward the target. That hang gets the arms in the right position and allows the club to track from inside the target line and contact the ball with a positive angle of attack through impact - which is exactly what the driver needs to optimize launch and ball flight.

Ball position follows naturally from the arm position. As you walk in, the ball should be opposite your left armpit. That reference point removes the guesswork and makes consistent ball position something you can repeat every single time regardless of how the round is going.

Personalize your own setup routine using Jason's fundamentals:

1. As you grip the club, get your ribcage and your arms tilted properly.
2. Walk in and place the driver behind the ball, making sure the ball is positioned underneath your left armpit.
3. Get a good look at your target and visualize the window you want to launch the ball through.
4. Stride left, stride right to get a comfortable stance width.
5. Confirm that your arms are hanging freely and that the ball is still positioned opposite your left armpit.
6. Swing away.

Once you get the setup correct, everything that follows becomes much easier.

Chapters:
00:00 - No One Gets Worse from Setting Up Better
00:14 - The Driver Setup
00:17 - Rib Cage Position at Address
00:34 - How to Hang the Arms Correctly
00:51 - Walking Into the Shot
01:03 - Picking a Target Window for the Driver
01:12 - The Full Setup Routine Step by Step

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Founded in 1932, Titleist has been dedicated to developing the highest-performing golf equipment through innovation, precision engineering, and a relentless commitment to quality. The brand’s journey began when founder Phil Young discovered an off-center golf ball core through an x-ray - a moment that led to the creation of a new standard for consistency and performance.
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