Square Clubface at Address, Looking Open: Mike Malaska

Do you close the clubface at address because it seems open to you? Mike Malaska, of Malaska Golf, responds to a subscriber about clubface alignment: a truly square clubface appears slightly open with almost all clubs, and closing it to prevent a slice causes other problems.

Mike Malaska · his YouTube channelFree lesson selected by Fred P.

What the lesson shows

According to Mike Malaska, what golfers think of as a square clubface at address and what it actually is have almost nothing in common. With the driver, the clubface is positioned 6 to 8 inches behind the ball, without touching it. But the club swings in an arc: as it approaches the ball, the face is constantly closing relative to the line of play. For the clubface to be square at impact, it must therefore appear open at address. With the driver, it seems open 4 to 6 degrees; with a fairway wood or a hybrid, about the same, maybe a little less; with a 7-iron, it stays slightly open. If you set it perfectly square, it closes onto the ball and produces a pull hook.

That’s why, on tour, players often seem to be aiming for a fade, with the clubface “wide open.” There’s another reason: A face that is too closed or square puts the leading edge at risk. When the club hits the ground, it digs in; the sole no longer provides bounce, and the club slows down. When positioned correctly, the club strikes the ball and then the ground, which helps it move forward. Most amateurs, on the other hand, close the clubface to compensate for their slice: it works in the short term, but in the long run it’s better to fix the grip. His conclusion: a square face looks slightly open with every club except the putter, and perhaps the chip.

The Exercise, Step by Step

1. Position the clubface behind the ball without trying to make sure it's perfectly square.
2. Accept that it may look slightly open, especially with the driver.
3. Don't take your grip until you've positioned the face.
4. Make sure the sole rests on its bounce, not on the leading edge.
5. Hit a few balls and watch the start line and the curve.
6. If you slice the ball, work on your grip rather than closing the clubface.

Key Takeaways

Mistakes to Avoid

• Closing the clubface at address to avoid a slice.
• Setting the clubface perfectly square behind the ball, at the risk of a pull hook.
• Bringing the leading edge into play, which makes the club dig.
• Believing that a clubface that appears open is actually open at impact.

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Video posted on YouTube by its creator (Mike Malaska). Best Golf Tips selects and summarizes the best free lessons without hosting them.