Ronnie Decker, EN Golf Pro and Peter Boyce, resident and Canadian PGA member
How do I get my swing started?
This may seem like a simple question but it is an important one because many times I see a player set up in a perfect address position only to destroy it with a terrible, unplanned takeaway. The key is to plan your shot and develop a pre-shot routine that allows you to start your swing without many thought processes. For years the standard advice was to incorporate a forward press which included a slight forward motion of the right knee (right-handed players) before taking the club back. The modern swing has eliminated this move as it has a tendency to throw the arms and hand positions out of balance.
The best way to start your swing is to feel that you are swinging your left shoulder, left arm and the clubhead back as a single unit which will maintain the triangle formed by the arms and shoulders at the address position. Your right hand should remain soft and go along for the ride as a tight right hand will attempt to direct the club and result in a hitting action as opposed to a swinging action. Just try to put it in perspective; in order to swing the club forward, you must swing it back with tempo and a sense of timing. Sudden, quick backswings are a result of no confidence and tight hands so talk to yourself and try to get into a relaxed mode which will create a smooth backswing that is repeatable.
Common questions
Q. I continually stub or hit my chip shots fat. How do I correct this terrible and somewhat embarrassing shot?
A. We have all experienced this type of shot and it is usually caused by incorrect ball position and overactive hand action. The first step is to ensure that the ball is placed opposite your right ankle which will allow the clubhead to strike the ball first. Also make sure that the grip of the club is opposite your left thigh therefore placing your hands ahead of the ball. From this position swing the handle and keep your hands ahead of the clubhead throughout the swing keeping the face of the club pointing at the sky. If you can do this you will say goodbye to the stubs.
Q. I always take a divot with my driver. Why does this happen?
A. This indicates that your clubhead is approaching the ball from too steep an angle and probably as a result of “outside to in” swing path. By flexing your right knee inward more than usual it will help to lower your right shoulder and put your head behind the ball. Check your ball position to make sure it isn’t too far back in your stance; you should have it just inside the left heel with a feeling of looking at the back of the ball. This will promote an inside and lower takeaway resulting in a shallower approach to the ball.
The feeling of swinging low to up will help you hit a higher, longer tee shot.
For more help with your game see your PebbleCreek golf professionals.