Set Your Wrists Earlier
May 7, 2012 BY Lakeshore Links IN Events, Tips & Training
I teach a one piece takeaway to many of my students in an effort to gain extension away from the ball and create width in the golf swing. Technically it is a sound approach to starting the swing on a good path. However, there are times when the student lacks the necessary club head speed to get any significant result. More times than not the student may have a physical disability or may have lost a bit of “get up and go” as the student has gotten older. Here’s what you can try.
It is important to note that there is no single way to take the club away from the ball. The one piece is only one option. An example of the opposite move would be a Fred Couples who allows his hands to play a major role in the takeaway and setting of the wrists at the top of the swing. David Leadbetter’s stable of touring professionals all seem to employ an early wrist set to gain leverage. Nick Faldo used to set his wrists almost immediately at the takeaway and produces an outstanding ball flight as a result. I would encourage golfers lacking in any power to feel as though the butt end of the club is pointing a little behind the ball when the lead arm reaches parallel to the ground in the backswing. This will encourage a little more “hit” on the downswing. Golfers who do not lack the physical strength to move the ball with some authority are encouraged to work within the guidelines of the one piece takeaway. There are less moving parts which make the swing less complicated and sequencing of those parts becomes easier. Give both a try and see for yourself what works.
Jason March
The Wide Then Narrow Approach to POWER!
February 1, 2012 BY Lakeshore Links IN Events, Tips & Training
I stood on the driving range at Lionhead Golf Club all summer long last year and saw thousands of different swings. Upright swings, flat swings, slow tempo and fast. All golfers have their own signature to the swing just like a finger print. Personal interpretation is the reason golf may be so popular. There, however, is a huge difference between the scratch golfer’s swing and that of the struggling high handicapper. The wide then narrow approach is that difference.
Amateur golfers have a tendency to lift or pick the golf club up abruptly during the back swing (narrow) and then on the down swing extend their arms out on the way back down to the ball (wide). This causes an extremely shallow angle of approach into the ball with much of the power drained before impact. The result is a weak ball flight. The term “casting” is often used for this move.
This is what you should do. As the club moves away from the ball on the backswing extend your arms as far as you can without letting your wrists cock or lift the club prematurely. You can extend your arms too far though. If your arms become disconnected from your chest and try to reach too far you can get into trouble. The key is to extend, but not at the expense of your connection to your upper body. You’ve seen touring professionals practice with head covers or towels under their arm pits to mimic this connection. Try that too if you wish. After you have extended back, let the wrists hinge up. This move that you have made is the “wide”.
The “narrow” refers to the downswing or approach into the ball. Your wrists should be fully cocked at the top of your backswing. Now, simply try to maintain that wrist cock as the club swings down. This trip back to the ball is much narrower than the trip back. Some instructors call this lagging the club. Some just refer to it as wide then narrow. Narrow then wide is a weak slapping action.
Give this a try this winter. Indoor simulators can show you that your swing path is getting more on track. Or maybe just give your local CPGA Teaching Professional a call.
Did this lesson help? Please leave a comment and let’s keep the golf talk going!
All the best!
Jason March
CPGA Head Teaching Professional
Lakeshore Links Indoor Golf Academy
Play The Hole Backwards For Lower Scores
January 25, 2012 BY Lakeshore Links IN General, Tips & Training
From the moment I step on the tee on the first hole I am planning my attack to make the best score possible. Most amateur golfers are happy to hit the ball somewhere in the fairway and then maybe the green. Professionals take a different approach.
I like to get as much information as possible on the course I am playing. This starts with the green and where the pin is located. This information is vital because it tells me what type of a shot I may be hitting my approach shot with and the best possible direction to putt to the hole. If the pin is located on the left side of the green I will probably need to hit a draw shot to get the ball close to the hole. Now that I have determined what type of approach shot is required I can plan where my tee shot needs to be situated. I may feel as though I need to put the ball in the centre or right centre of the fairway for a simple approach. In that case I may decide to fade my tee shot to eliminate the left side of the fairway to secure an offensive position.
Be a thinker and planner the next time you play. The ball won’t always behave the way you want it to, but if you have a plan your misses will be better.
Tell us what you think of this lesson. Post a comment.
Good luck.
Jason March
CPGA Head Teaching Professional
Lakeshore Links Indoor Golf Academy.
