Many have said there is no such thing as a perfect golf swing. There are too many variables from the grip to the follow through, not to mention all the obstacles on the course. The only way to improve your golf swing is to learn the correct technique and keep swinging. The proper mechanics will help you, and practice will improve your game.
Grip
There are three basic types of grips to choose from: interlocking, overlapping and baseball. Choose the most comfortable style and place your left hand on the end of the club and your right hand directly below it, palms facing each other. The grip must be firm, but not tight. The club should not spin in your hands.
Stance
Keep your legs shoulder width apart, knees flexed and back straight. Bend at the waist until the club hits the ground. Your hands should be dangling underneath your shoulders or chin. You should not be stretching to reach the ball or holding the club close to your body. Keep your eyes focused on the ball.
Ball Position
The general rule of thumb is to keep the ball in the center of your stance. This will ensure that you don’t reach the ball too early or too late. You will have to adjust in some cases, for specialty shots.
Backswing
As you twist your body back and move the club behind you, keep your left arm straight and your right arm slightly bent. Shift your weight to your right side instead of trying to move your entire body to gain more power--it will only leave you off balance. You should form two 90-degree angles at the top of your backswing--between the club and your left arm and the bend of your right arm. Your left shoulder should be behind the ball. The size and exaggeration of the backswing will depend on how hard you must hit the ball.
Downswing
Come down with the club in the same direction that you went up with it. Unwind your hips toward the target and use momentum to swing through the ball with your upper body, keeping your wrists cocked.
Club Placement
The general rule of thumb is to hit the golf ball square at impact. Always aim for the center of the ball and swing away. This will ensure a surer flight, with better direction. Aiming for any part other than the center of the ball is very difficult and will almost always lead to a hook or slice.
Follow Through
After you have made connection with the golf ball, your club should be pointing down the target line. Your right heel should come up and yours arms should be extended straight out. As you move with momentum, your arms should bend at the elbows and continue over your shoulder as your body twists. Your right shoulder should touch your chin.
Member Comments