Photo by Rick GunnMark Gilmartin of Reno tees off on the fourth hole on Wednesday during the Nevada State Amateur at Dayton Valley Country Club.
To improve your golf game you must understand what the fundamental requirements of the golf swing are.
These fundamentals are correct no matter if you hit the ball well or poorly and must be practiced on an ongoing basis. You will have bad days and good and regardless of how you are striking the ball you must practice what is correct and stick with it. The thing that is sure to keep you from improving is constantly chopping and changing what you are practicing. We are easily caught in the trap of trying to correct the shot that has already been struck.
This column is devoted to giving you a sound and fundamentally correct approach to your golf game. Since the address position is the start of the swing it makes sense to begin with it. The address position is the foundation upon which the swing is built; it is also the most overlooked part of the game.
We must start with a good posture. Our posture positions the body in such a way that we are able to pivot (move the body) correctly.
- Use a mirror to practice the correct posture.
- Stand up straight with arms hanging naturally at the side of the body.
- Bend forward at the hips, keeping the lower back straight.
- Break the knees from the locked position.
- Keep the weight evenly spread on the feet.
- Let your arms hang naturally down from the shoulders.
BALL POSITION.
- Never play the ball back from the center of the stance for a full shot with any club.
- Play the ball slightly left (forward) of center with the club fairly vertical from the ground.
- Advanced players can alter ball position by moving the right foot slightly to the right. (Results in the ball being more forward in the stance).
- Do not keep the club and left arm in a straight line. This may be appropriate for some but not for all.
Practice these positions at home and on the driving range. Do not let a few bad shots distract you. Stick with it.
-- Terry Gingell, PGA is the Head Golf Professional at Eagle Valley Golf Courses. Please call Terry at 887-7174 for more information regarding private and group lessons.
