So in this golf blog post i am going to explain to all golfers how to improve your golf swing in a way that i understand to be the easiest method. There are many videos, youtube tutorials and books out there that try to help you with the do’s and dont’s of the golf swing. In my 20 odd years as a professional golfer, i have gathered a fair understanding reading about the golf swing rather than watching videos.
No one is perfect when it comes to the golf swing. Even the best of them on the PGA Tour have thier own unique ways of doing things or little quirks in thier swing that require precice timing and positioning. You just need to find yours, so i am going to help you with the top 5 fundimentals of the golf swing and explain how to use them the best i can.
The Grip
The grip is the base of all golf swings. There are many golf grips to choose from, ie the baseball grip, it’s called the baseball grip because we hold a baseball bate in the exact same way, one hand in front of the other. I personally don’t recommend this grip because it gives you far too much hand and club control in the swing and thats not ideal. The overlap grip, which is both hands in the same position as the baseball grip except, you over lap the little finger on your dominate hand on to the index finger of the opposite hand. The interlock grip, this is the same as the overlap, except that you interlock your little finger in between the index and middle finger of the opposite hand. These grips are the most common in the game of golf. Once you have a comfortable grip try and hold your golf club in a neutral position so that you feel comfortable with the club in your hands.
Set Up to the Ball
When setting up to the ball, it’s important that you stand with your feet a shoulder width apart with the ball in the centre of your stance. Try keeping your knees bent slightly to help with rotation of the body. If set up correctly you should feel the weight in the middle of your feet and not on the heels or the balls of your feet. Shoulders are to remain square to the target to help with aiming.
The Backswing
Initially the back swing is broken down into 2 parts, the first half and the second half. The first half, (with hip rotation only) rotate your hips staying completely connected to the golf club, by this i mean with arms fully extended. Then the rotation alone will pull the golf club up in line with your shoulder without you moving your hands. So you should have a straight line between the head of the club and your shoulder. The Second half of the swing relies on the hinging of the wrists, keeping the arms straight and the hips rotated until the club reaches the top of your head.
The Down Swing
At the top of the back swing you may feel a lot of built up tension like a twisted rubber band wanting to be released, this is a good thing, it means you have built up the force to generate power. With your hips, start a rotation towards your target, pushing your body forward so the weight of your body will transfer on to the leading foot (70/30). In this motion the club will follow. Try to be mindful about your head and eye position, so keep your head down and watch the golf ball.
Finishing the swing
The finishing of the swing is still a key part for a good shot. Remaining on the same swing path as the down swing, keeping your arms fully extended away from your body. Try not to forgot to pose for that perfect photo finish.
In Summary
The idea of the golf swing is accuracy and power. The accuracy comes from the positioning of the golf club. The power has been provided from the rotation, which has built up through centrifugal force (the elastic band method). Besides accuracy and power there are a few other components that add to a good golf swing, stance, posture, balance and weight transfer. Over time with lots of practice on the driving range and golf course you will find a feel and a touch that you will be more comfortable for you.
Here is a link for Golf Digest’s Beginners guide to golf click here
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