Principles vs. Preferences in the Golf Swing

In golf, there are two categories of swing components that I refer to as principles and preferences. Think of them this way: principles are what you must do; preferences are what you may do. Understanding the distinction between the two is vital to both teaching and learning the game.

The Principles:

These are non-negotiables. To hit a solid golf shot, three things must happen:

• Clubface: It must arrive square to the target line at impact.
• Swing Path: It must be moving in the direction you want the ball to start.
• Angle of Approach: It must descend on shots from the turf and slightly ascend on shots from a tee.

That’s it. Those three principles are the foundation of any effective golf swing. Without them, consistency and solid contact are impossible.

The Preferences:

This is where individuality enters the game. Preferences include:

• Grip (strong, neutral, weak)
• Stance (wide, narrow)
• Ball position
• Distance from the ball
• Swing plane (flat, upright)
• Swing length
• Tempo
• Release point
• Backswing and downswing styles
• And so on…

The list is practically endless. Watch the best players in the world and you’ll see an astonishing variety of preferences. Yet, they all manage to deliver the club with the correct face, path, and angle of approach. That’s the magic.

So What About the Average Golfer?

Just like the pros, every amateur is on a personal quest to find the unique combination that works for them. You can play great golf with:

• A flat or upright swing.
• A strong or weak grip.
• A wide or narrow stance.
• An early or late release.

The answer to almost every “can I…” question in golf is **yes—**so long as your components are compatible.

You can’t swing any which way and expect consistent results. Golf isn’t a free-for-all. There must be compatibility between your preferences. For instance:

• An upright swing typically pairs with an earlier release and often a stronger grip.
• An inside-out path requires a different ball position and aim than someone swinging across the ball from outside.

My Coaching Philosophy

Rather than trying to completely rebuild a golfer’s swing - especially one they’ve had for years - I focus on finding compatible variations. Why force someone to abandon their natural tendencies if we can adjust the grip, stance, or release to complement their DNA?

Your swing is deeply ingrained. It may never be fully changed, but it can be made more functional. The key is understanding the nature of your swing and learning what must happen for it to work.

Because at the end of the day, golf is a game of function, not form. What matters most is what the club is doing at impact. Get that right - however you do it - and you’re playing golf.