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I truly believe that if your setup is good, you’ll not only hit the ball more consistently but your misses will also be much more playable.

In fact, you can often tell where a shot is going before the player even swings — just by looking at their setup.

If you don’t have a consistent setup routine, you’re likely to be wildly inconsistent and leave a lot of good shots (and strokes) on the table.

If you’re someone who struggles with their setup, follow the five tips below.

1. There are many good setup options

The good news? You get to determine the routine that works best for you. Ideally, you’ll work with your instructor to build one that fits your tendencies and goals.

Watch golf on TV and you’ll notice that while the best players in the world might look different in how they set up, they all do it the same way every time. Once they’ve built their routine, there’s very little variation. That’s the key to consistency.

2. Keep the clubface in mind

Once you’ve taken your practice swing and picked your target, the first step in your setup should always be to aim the clubface.

Set the clubhead behind the ball so that the face points directly at your target, with the ball centered on the face. As you do this, look back and forth between the clubface and the target — it’s a simple way to improve your aim and start the swing in the right direction.

3. Hands first? Or club first?

You have two options here, and both can work.

You can:

• Set the club first, then place your hands on the grip — being careful to position each hand properly.
• Or place your hands first, then set the club behind the ball.

I often recommend the hands-first method if you struggle with posture. By gripping the club first, then stepping in and bending from your hips, you can establish better posture and balance — helping your arms hang naturally and improving contact.

4. Don’t forget your feet

Once your club and hands are set, it’s time to adjust your feet. This is where great setups are made.

Your feet determine:

• Distance from the ball: Too close, and you’ll likely hit shots off the heel or hit behind the ball. Too far, and you’ll tend to hit off the toe or top the ball.
• Ball position: Too far back, and you’ll push or thin shots. Too far forward, and you’ll pull or hit them fat.
• Alignment: Your toes should form a line that’s roughly parallel to your clubface aim.

When you see great players “step in” carefully before each shot, now you know why — there’s a lot being calibrated in that moment. This is the true art of a great setup routine.

5. Define your aim

Every great setup includes a clear system for aiming the clubface and aligning the body.

Some players prefer to stand behind the ball, pick an intermediate target a few feet in front of it, and align through that spot. Others use their body lines relative to the target and come in from the side.

CM Punk has had enough — and heâ€s calling out fans who are crossing the line in a big way.

In a message posted to his Instagram Stories, the WWE star issued a public warning to individuals who have been showing up at airports and hotels just to catch him off guard. Punk didnâ€t sugarcoat it — he made it crystal clear that this type of behavior is not fan support, itâ€s harassment.

“We unfortunately have to have this conversation again,†Punk wrote. “Do not turn up at airports. Do not show up at hotels. I cannot believe I have to say this. DO NOT FOLLOW PEOPLE.â€

Punk went on to say that these repeated invasions of privacy have been addressed before — and that enough is enough.

“Youâ€ve repeatedly been politely told no, respect it,†he continued. “You are not a fan, you are a stalker and will be treated as such. Respect the boundaries. Stop harassing people.â€

This kind of statement isnâ€t new in pro wrestling. Top talent from WWE, AEW, and other promotions have dealt with increasingly aggressive behavior from fans using flight tracking apps, social media tips, and hotel searches to track their every move. What might seem like an innocent autograph opportunity to some has spiraled into full-on privacy breaches.

Wrestlers have shared horror stories over the years — from being followed through security lines at airports to having strangers request their hotel room numbers at the front desk. Some have even been approached at dinner while sitting with their families. Itâ€s become a serious problem that blurs the line between fandom and obsession.

CM Punk, being one of the most well-known figures in the industry, has long dealt with the darker side of fame. But this latest outburst shows the frustration is reaching a boiling point — and heâ€s no longer staying silent.

Should fans respect wrestlers†personal boundaries more? Where is the line between dedication and disrespect? Let us know what you think in the comments.

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Tottenham have received a cash boost of £100m from their owners, the Lewis family trust, with further funding poised to follow that will provide Thomas Frank with greater room for manoeuvre in the transfer market.

The club have long sought fresh investment to enable their varied plans to expand the business, which include numerous non-football projects. But the priority is on-field success; there is an awareness at boardroom level that it is the principal driver for everything.

The 17th-placed Premier League finish last season was a disaster and the target for Frank is to return the team to the top five, mainly for sporting reasons, but also to drive revenue streams and keep the clubâ€s value high.

Frank was permitted to spend about £125m on players this summer – most notably Mohammed Kudus and Xavi Simons – with the club also committed to paying combined fees of about £50m to make the deals for Kevin Danso and Mathys Tel permanent.

Frank has started well – Spurs are third – and will be backed in January if the right signings are available at the right prices. The usual disclaimer about the mid-season window being a difficult time to add to the squad applies.

The equity injection has come from the Lewis family fortune and put it into Spurs via their investment vehicle, Enic. A source close to the family said: “This is initial additional funding. As the clubâ€s management decides whatâ€s needed to deliver success, more money will be available. The Lewis family is committed to backing the club to be successful.â€

The Lewis family and the rest of the Spurs executive tier maintain the club is not for sale. Spurs have been stalked by takeover talk for a long time and it has intensified since the former chair Daniel Levy was ousted in early September. The club have rejected expressions of interest from three groups. One was Amanda Staveleyâ€s PCP International Finance; another a consortium of investors led by Dr Roger Kennedy and Wing-Fai Ng through Firehawk Holdings Limited; and the third came from a United States-based consortium led by the tech entrepreneur Brooklyn Earick.

Spurs said the £100m would “further strengthen the clubâ€s financial position and equip the leadership team with additional resources to continue the focus on driving long-term sporting success. This additional capital is part of the Lewis familyâ€s ongoing commitment to the club and its future.â€

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Peter Charrington, the Spurs nonexecutive chair, said: “Our focus is on stability and empowering the management team to deliver on the clubâ€s ambitions. I know the Lewis family are also ambitious for the future. Todayâ€s capital commitment reflects that ambition and I would like to thank them for their ongoing support. We will continue to do all we can to ensure that Vinai [Venkatesham, the chief executive] and his team are supported in the best way possible to take this club forward.â€

Spurs†non-football projects include the building of a hotel and an indoor arena close to the stadium; an expansion of the training ground in Enfield to take in a hub for the womenâ€s team and a bespoke NFL training facility; and numerous residential developments in the Tottenham area.

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After shocking the NBA by trading for Luka Doncic, Lakers general manager and president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka compared piecing together a roster midseason to “trying to build an airplane in the sky.â€

This year, the Lakers get their full runway.

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Retooled and locked in from what Pelinka called an “intentional and productive offseason,†the Lakers officially begin training camp Tuesday in El Segundo as Doncic starts his first full season in L.A.

With the team set for media day Monday, here are five questions entering the preseason:

Will this be the end of LeBron James†Lakers era?

Lakers star LeBron James stands on the court before facing the Minnesota Timberwolves in the playoffs on April 27. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

The Luka era has arrived. But does that mean the LeBron era has to end?

For the first time in his storied career, James is playing in the final year of a contract. He exercised a $52.6-million player option in June to pave the way for a record-setting 23rd NBA season.

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James, the NBAâ€s all-time leading scorer, is 50 games away from Hall of Famer Robert Parishâ€s record for most regular-season games played. He already achieved his previously stated goal of playing with his son Bronny.

More championships are all James has left to chase in his career. While the Lakers attempt to launch the 26-year-old Doncicâ€s reign, James†title aspirations still remain at the forefront for the franchise.

“Weâ€ve been very intentional this summer in terms of the pieces we add with Luka and LeBron, once LeBron opted in,†Pelinka said last Thursday at a news conference alongside head coach JJ Redick, “making sure that they had the necessary pieces around them to be on a really competitive, strong team.â€

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But when it comes to James†future, Pelinka left it up to the 21-time All-Star, saying James has “absolute respect to choose his story†regarding how much longer he wants to play. But the team’s general manager knows how he wants the tale to end.

“We would love if LeBronâ€s story would be [that] he retired a Laker,†Pelinka said. “That would be a positive story.â€

How will James and Doncic coexist in their first full season together?

Lakers stars LeBron James, left, and Luka Doncic talk during a game against Utah on Feb. 10. (Ronald Martinez / Getty Images)

The Lakers underwent a significant makeover after Doncic debuted in February.

The team ranked eighth in the NBA with 40.4 three-point attempts per game in the regular season with Doncic compared to 33.8 before, which ranked 27th. James†offensive rating ticked up from 111.8 to 114.4.

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After rushing to create cohesion at midseason, Doncic, whose Lakers debut was slowed by a lingering calf injury, said in August he looked forward to getting a whole preseason to build chemistry with his teammates. Doncic was second in the league in usage rate among players who appeared in more than seven games after Feb. 10. Redick said Doncic and guard Austin Reaves, coming off a career season, will be the teamâ€s primary ballhandlers while James remains a focal point of the offense.

“I think the word I would use would be ‘share,â€â€ Redick said of how he envisions the three stars working together. “I think in a team sport, you have no choice but to share: share the basketball, share the spotlight, I think all those three guys have a ton of respect for each otherâ€s skill sets, for each otherâ€s abilities.â€

What will Austin Reaves show entering a critical contract decision?

Austin Reaves, right, celebrates with teammate Dorian Finney-Smith during a playoff game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on April 27. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Austin Reaves averaged 20.2 points, 4.5 rebounds and 5.8 assists per game, all career highs, while shooting 37.7% from three-point range. But his playoff struggles left a sour impression entering the offseason. Reaves shot 31.9% from three in the first-round series against Minnesota, attempted just 1.4 free throws per game and was a constant target for the Minnesota offense.

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The 27-year-old has a player option worth $14.9 million next year but will likely test free agency after vastly outperforming his initial four-year, $53.8-million contract awarded when he was an undrafted free agent. With pressure to perform as a third star behind Doncic and James, Reaves is already impressing Lakers staff this offseason.

“Every day in the gym, heâ€s been the best player in the gym,†Redick said. “This goes back to last May, all summer, his body is really good right now. Heâ€s really strong. His burst, his athleticism, itâ€s evident that heâ€s spent a lot of time working on his body this summer.â€

Is Deandre Ayton the answer to the Lakers†center woes?

Portland Trail Blazers center Deandre Ayton, left, tries to drive past Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic during a game on Feb. 10. (David Zalubowski / Associated Press)

Deandre Ayton‘s 7-foot frame isn’t the only reason why he might be the Lakers’ biggest offseason acquisition.

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Pairing Doncic with a lob-catching center was one of Pelinka’s major offseason objectives after the lack of a reliable big man became so pressing that Redick resorted to playing the same small-ball, five-man lineup for the entire second half in Game 4 against Minnesota. Ayton is coming off two forgettable seasons in Portland, where the former No. 1 overall pick averaged 15.7 points and 10.7 rebounds per game. Since he was traded by the Phoenix Suns, Ayton has been the target of criticism for inconsistent effort and a low motor.

Yet the Lakers believe they can unlock the 27-year-oldâ€s talent. Ayton, Redick emphasized, was once Chris Paulâ€s pick-and-roll partner in Phoenix. No one is more detail-oriented than the now-Clippers guard. So playing alongside Doncic should come easily.

“His feel for two-man action is just super high,†Redick said of Ayton, “and really excited to see him play with Luka.â€

Center Jaxson Hayes, who fell out of the rotation during the playoffs, figures to come off the bench after re-signing with the team on a one-year deal. After recovering from foot surgery, forward Maxi Kleber played only five minutes in a desperate postseason loss after joining the Lakers in the blockbuster trade with Doncic, but could add a valuable floor-spacing dimension if healthy.

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What impact can Marcus Smart make?

Marcus Smart controls the ball during a game between the Washington Wizards and Milwaukee Bucks in February. (Patrick Smith / Getty Images)

Redick knows personally what Marcus Smart can deliver. The coach recalled the forehead full of stitches he once received courtesy of the former NBA defensive player of the year.

“Toughness,†Redick said of what Smart will bring to the team. “I already told him this: We need his voice as part of communication. His competitive spirit.â€

The Lakers ranked 17th in defensive rating last season, giving up 113.8 points per 100 possessions. The 31-year-old Smart, who signed with the Lakers after the Washington Wizards bought out his contract, still grades in the 80th percentile of every defensive metric, Redick said.

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Doncicâ€s defensive improvement at EuroBasket drew raves from Redick, but the star guard will remain far from a defensive anchor. With Reaves and James, who will turn 41 in December, and Ayton, Smartâ€s defensive prowess and career 32.4% three-point shooting could be vital to solidifying the potential starting lineup.

Redick named his starting lineup before training camp last season but, in a step of growth for the second-year head coach, declined to disclose his plans this year. He learned what often happens to the best-laid plans.

Last yearâ€s intended leading group of James, Reaves, Anthony Davis, Rui Hachimura and Dâ€Angelo Russell started only seven games together.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

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Graeme van Buuren, who signed a new contract earlier this week to remain at Gloucestershire until 2027, got under way with a cracking cover drive, bettered only by the one which took Bracey to 50, the wicketkeeper-batter raising his seasonal landmark in the process.

Van Buuren though didn’t stay long, bowled trying to cut one too close to him which cannoned off the inside edge, while Cornwell’s third wicket came courtesy of a poor umpiring decision, Jack Taylor adjudged caught behind, despite a chasm between bat and ball.

Bracey batted untroubled through until lunch but fell soon after the resumption as Gohar, switched to the Nursery End, found a fraction of turn to force a thin edge through to wicketkeeper Joe Cracknell.

Ajeet Singh Dale came and went before Marchant de Lange and Matt Taylor entertained with a brisk stand of 44 for the ninth wicket, the former clubbing one from leg-spinner Luke Hollman over the ropes and twice hitting Gohar back over his head.

Gohar gained revenge by having him stumped to complete a five-wicket haul, leading to Daz Ahmed, hampered by a side strain while bowling, coming in with a runner to play his maiden first-class innings. Cleary in considerable pain, he batted out two overs from Gohar before Matt Taylor hooked Cornwell down the throat of long leg to end the innings.

Middlesex enforced the follow-on and soon removed Charlesworth caught behind off Roland-Jones but Joe Phillips and Ollie Price, the latter looking more at ease than he had earlier in the day, batted through until tea without further mishap.

Only one further over was possible before the murky light sent the players off, giving Gloucestershire hope of batting out a draw on the final day.

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Sep 26, 2025, 09:21 AM ET

Mikel Arteta said he would love for Bukayo Saka to follow team-mate William Saliba by committing his future to Arsenal.

Sources told ESPN that Arsenal fended off Real Madrid to secure Saliba’s services for another five years, with official confirmation of the defender’s renewal expected next week.

Saka’s current deal with Arsenal expires in 2027 and although there is no indication that the England international wants to leave, it is not believed that a new contract is close to being announced.

Asked if he is expecting news of Saka’s renewal to be rubber-stamped, Arteta said: “I would love that.

“From everything that I know, he is a player that is extremely happy, and proud to have the role that he has at the football club.

“Things will develop in a natural way, like they always do, and everyone knows how important Bukayo is for us. Hopefully we can do it.”

Like Saka, Saliba has been a star performer for Arsenal, and alongside Gabriel — who also signed a new contract in June — has forged arguably the best defensive partnership in the Premier League.

Ahead of their clash against Newcastle on Sunday, Arteta’s side have conceded just one goal from open play so far this season.

Bukayo Saka and William Saliba have been integral to Arsenal over the past three years. Getty

Arsenal’s ability to keep the France international — who has been in the PFA Team of the Year for the past three seasons — away from Real Madrid’s clutches is a significant statement of intent as Arteta bids to end the club’s 22-year wait for a title. The Spaniard’s sole trophy of his near six-year reign is his 2020 FA Cup triumph.

Alluding to Real Madrid’s interest in Saliba, 24, Arteta continued: “When you hear that noise, you can understand certain expectations. Players have feelings, and maybe dreaming about something one day and that’s a really natural thing to have.

“When I sat down with William and I asked him the question, he said: ‘No, I want to stay here, I want to play for you, and I’m very happy’ in his own way, so that was great to hear.

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“He’s been instrumental in everything we’ve done in the last few years. His consistency, the way he’s progressed, and the way he has matured as well as a person and his role in the team has grown year after year.

“Every time I sit with a player and we discuss with the club what their intentions are, the first thing is that they want to continue with us, they want to win with us, they want to continue to grow as a player in this environment and that’s a great thing to have because it’s not always the case and we don’t take it for granted.”

Captain Martin Ødegaard is set to be available for Arsenal’s trip to St James’ Park on Sunday following a three-game absence with a shoulder injury. However, Noni Madueke and Kai Havertz remain absent with knee problems.

Arsenal, who have lost four of their last five visits to Newcastle, trail league leaders Liverpool by five points.

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England last won the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in 2017, when they beat India in a nailbiting final at Lord’s

The 13th edition of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup starts on Tuesday, 30 September, with England hoping to lift the title for a fifth time.

Only defending champions Australia (seven times) have won it more often, with New Zealand the only other country to get their hands on the prize when they triumphed 25 years ago.

Here is everything you need to know about the latest tournament, including the schedule, how to watch and follow on the BBC.

What is the Women’s World Cup?

The World Cup is regarded as the most prestigious competition in women’s cricket and is played once every four years by eight teams (though that will rise to 10 in 2029).

The eight competing nations are: Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa and Sri Lanka.

The latest edition is being hosted by India and Sri Lanka, with Pakistan playing all of their matches in Colombo because of the current political situation with neighbours India.

What is the schedule and format of the Women’s World Cup?

Matches are 50 overs per side, with each team playing the other once in the initial round-robin group stage.

The top four progress to the semi-finals, with the group-stage leader playing the team which finished fourth and second and third playing against each other.

India and Sri Lanka open the tournament on 30 September in Guwahati, with England getting their campaign under way against South Africa, also in Guwahati, on 3 October.

Current holders Australia begin against New Zealand in Indore on 1 October and face hosts India in Visakhapatnam on 12 October and Ashes rivals England on 22 October in Indore.

Colombo will host Pakistan’s seven group games, including against India and England. A semi-final and the final will also take place there, if Pakistan make it that far.

When is Women’s World Cup final this year?

The final will be played on 2 November and will be held in Colombo if Pakistan qualify or Navi Mumbai in India if not. It begins at 09:30 GMT.

Who are the past winners?

1973: England

1978: Australia

1982: Australia

1988: Australia

1993: England

1997: Australia

2000: New Zealand

2005: Australia

2009: England

2013: Australia

2017: England

2022: Australia

How can I follow Women’s World Cup on the BBC?

There will be commentary of every game on Test Match Special, via BBC Sounds, the BBC Sport website and app and on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra.

In addition, the BBC Sport website and app will run live text commentaries on the majority of games in the competition, with in-play clips, reports and features from on the ground.

The matches are live on Sky Sports in the UK.

The BBC Cricket Instagram, external account is a key destination for cricket fans, plus you can keep up to date with the competition via the BBC Cricket WhatsApp channel, external.

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