Developing your golf swing is like learning to type or play the piano.
In the beginning, the process needs to be kept simple and must be repeated again and again. Once you have the fundamentals down, the swing goes from awkward and uncomfortable to comfortable and natural. Sound fundamentals make a swing that is graceful, powerful and effortless. This is when the joy of golf can truly begin!
Address the ball –
Salute the General!
Addressing the ball is like a proper greeting. Your body language must be intentional, shoulders and head square to the target line. Stand tall, chin up and eyes level. Correct foot position is key to maintaining balance and allowing for the all-
important hip turn, so the golfer must create a toe line in his or her imagination. Like soldiers in formation, everyone knows where they are supposed to be and looks straight ahead!
Backswing –
Big muscles, not little muscles.
When starting the backswing, you have to involve your shoulders. The shoulders are powerful and can carry the weight of the club smoothly. One of the most common errors in learning a correct golf swing is relying too heavily on the hands, which are not able to control the club to the top of the swing. When the shoulders aren’t sufficiently involved, compensations must be made and shots become inconsistent.
Contact – Alligator Arms.
The moment of truth!
There are several styles of golf swings, but for the best players, contact with the ball is always the same.
- The majority of the golfer’s body weight is on the front foot.
- The golfer’s hips pivot with the belt buckle, pointing 45 degrees to the target.
Centrifugal force causes the lead arm to extend straight out. - 3. Proper execution of the ABCs makes for an excellent Delivery (D), which will happen naturally. It’s not easy, but it really is as simple as ABCD.
Could your golf swing use some work? Have you lapsed back into old habits or need a refresher on the fundamentals? We can help!
North Carolina and South Carolina PGA Teacher of the Year, Doug Weaver is the Director of Instruction at the Palmetto Dunes Golf Academy. He conducts “Where Does the Power Come From?” a free interactive clinic and demonstration every Monday at 4 p.m. at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Course. Volunteer to help and sign up to win prizes! Call (843) 338-9598 or (800)-827-3006 or go to palmettodunes.com. mation.
By Doug Weaver, Director of Instruction, Palmetto Dunes Golf Academy
