1) **Grip:** Consider how your hands naturally function when grasping something; your thumb is on one side and your fingers on the other. Begin by resting the club on your thigh closest to the target. Take your base hand (left hand for right-handed golfers) and grasp the grip, ensuring that the thumb is positioned to the side of the grip, not on top. The "V" formed between your forefinger and thumb should align with the leading edge of the golf club. Hold the club firmly with this hand, imagining you're squeezing a tube of toothpaste—enough to release some paste but not empty the tube. Your other hand should rest more on the fingertips, covering the thumb of the base hand with the palm of this hand. Let your fingertips go under the grip, place your thumb on the opposite side of the grip, and keep a lighter grip pressure, as if holding a dirty diaper.
2 & 3) **Stance and Posture:** Aim for an athletic stance that allows easy movement in all directions. Counterbalance the forward tilt of your spine by pushing your buttocks out and upward. A good way to find your position is to stand tall and place your hands on your thighs, gradually moving them down until they are just above your kneecaps, while simultaneously pushing your buttocks out. Ensure your back is straight and you are in a balanced position.
4) **Ball Position:** For mid-irons (6, 7, 8), position the ball in the middle of your stance. For short irons (9, PW, SW, LW, etc.), place the ball one ball behind the middle or closer to your back foot (right foot for right-handed golfers). For long irons/hybrids (5, 4, 3, 2, 1), position the ball one ball forward of the middle or closer to your front foot. For fairway woods, place the ball inside your front foot heel (left heel for right-handed golfers). For the driver, position the ball near your front foot's big toe (left big toe for right-handed golfers). Adjusting the ball position affects the trajectory and spin of your shot: a ball placed further back flies lower with more spin, while a ball placed forward flies higher with less spin.
5) **Alignment:** Align your body parallel to the target line. Imagine a set of railroad tracks: the ball, club, and target lie on the outer track, while your body, feet, knees, hips, and shoulders align on the inner track. When on the course, pick an intermediate target no more than two feet in front of or behind the ball, in line with your target. Use this intermediate target to align yourself when standing over the ball, without having to turn your head to find it.