Many golfers are preoccupied with how far they swing the club back. Too often, the golfer is trying to get the club into the horizontal position at the top of the back swing.
For most golfers, it is unnecessary and destructive to swing the club back so far. This effort results in many swing faults, such as excessive wrist break and a bent left arm. It can also cause too much shoulder rotation.
Simply put, trying to swing the club to a certain length on the back swing leads to a loss of control, and therefore inconsistent play.
The length of the back swing is not to be manipulated. The golfer's flexibility and body position, as well as the weight of the club and the momentum of the swing, govern the length of the back swing.
An excellent practice drill to position the club correctly on the back swing is to hold the left wrist at the address position (without the club). As the body turns, swing the arm to shoulder height. At this point, the hands should be in the center of the body, with a line from the hands and through the sternum pointing directly to the target. In the speed of a full swing, the hands will continue up a little, but this part of the swing must not be controlled - it must be allowed to occur instinctively.
Practice this drill to develop a compact and consistent back swing position, and do not try to control its length.
Terry Gingell is a PGA Class A Professional and is the owner and operator of The Golf Learning Center, an indoor golf school specializing in video golf lessons and professionally custom fit golf clubs. Send golf questions and comments to Terry at The Golf Learning Center or appeal@swiftnews.com.
