It's enticing for many players to take a powerful cut at the ball. However, in trying to build a solid base for a big swing, it's common for the golfer to widen his or her stance until the feet are spread too far apart -- wider than shoulder-width. A wider stance may feel powerful, but it actually restricts the proper weight shift and lower-body coil.

Your stance should be wide enough to supply a solid foundation, but narrow enough to allow lower-body movement. The happy medium is when the feet are about shoulder-width apart. From this stance, your hips should be able to turn freely and your weight should move smoothly from foot to foot without any upper-body sway.

Proper stance width also helps regulate swing speed so you don't lose control of the clubhead: You can swing as hard as you want so long as you keep your balance, which is largely a function of stance. If you can't maintain balance with your feet spread properly, it's a signal that you're swinging too hard. Rather than spreading your feet to accommodate a fast motion, throttle down with the upper body. You won't lose power by keeping your stance narrow because what you sacrifice in arm power will be made up for by an active lower body.

Width Varies from Club to Club