Last Updated: Nov 20, 2023
Golf Swing Position: Address (P1)
Address, or "P1" is the position the golfer takes prior to making a swing. Jack Nicklaus has called this the most important part of the golf swing!
Written By: Zach Gollwitzer
Posted in: Golf Swing Positions
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Table of Contents
The golf swing has 10 distinct swing positions. The purpose for classifying each position is so that online writers (like myself) and instructors can more easily communicate with the student. While some positions are more relevant than others, each has unique characteristics that allow us golfers to analyze our swing piece-by-piece to improve our overall motion.
The Address (P1) position, also known as “P1” for short is the first position in the golf swing and is part of the backswing.
Address (P1) Position: Overview
Your address position is one of the most crucial parts of the golf swing.
Jack Nicklaus preaches the importance of a good setup:
Every time I hurry my setup, my subconscious rears up and beats me around the ears.
Down the Line (DTL) View of the Address (P1) Position
Below is the “down the line” view of the Address (P1) position. When filming from the DTL view, it is important to have the camera at waist height pointing down your target line directly below your hands. You can learn more about filming your golf swing in the DTL view in my post on recording and analyzing the golf swing.

Face-On (FO) View of the Address (P1) Position
Below is the “face-on” view of the Address (P1) position. When filming from the FO view, it is important to have the camera at waist height pointing directly in front of your body. You can learn more about filming your golf swing in the DTL view in my post on recording and analyzing the golf swing.

Back (B) View of the Address (P1) Position
Below is the “back” view of the Address (P1) position. This is for illustrative purposes only and I don‘t recommend filming your golf swing from this angle. You should be able to learn whatever you need from the DTL and FO views alone.
