How To Work On Your Golf Swing

Many golfers would say that there is no such thing as a “perfect golf swing.” However, you could work for your own peculiar swing. This is the golf swing, which could make you achieve your aim and score high in games – the swing you are most confident with.

Golf pros may all have different and at times, weird-looking, swings, but you will notice that there are several common elements.  These commonalities are the fundamentals of golf that could help you create a great swing and discover your “own” swing.

The Grip

In handling the club, the left hand should circle the club so that there is a V between the thumb and index finger.  The tension should extend to the shoulder. The right hand should overlap the left thumb and vice versa. Only the V shape should create a line leading to the chin.  Light pressure should be applied to both hands.

Posture

To create a great swing, good posture and stance is essential. Keep your feet shoulder width apart, knees bend and slightly push your butt out.  Keep the chin up and your back straight.  Look at the ball with the bottom of your eyes.  The ball should never be in front of the foot.  Align yourself in such a way that the ball is in front of your left heel (if you are right-handed).

Alignment

In initiating the swing, you must find your right position.  To discover this, keep your feet far enough apart to maintain balance. Stand with your feet shoulder-width (about a foot) apart.  Once the feet are aligned properly, lower your right shoulder, slightly lower than the left one.  Angle your upper body forward at the hips but keep the back straight. Slightly bend your knees and keep the chin up.  Maintain the shoulder position as you take the club back after the swing.  

Body Arch

The arch should start at the head of your golf club through your shoulder at eye level and beyond.  This posture should be maintained for a real good swing.

Flexibility

To add distance to a swing, make sure that your arms are fully extended.  With arms fully extended, you will create more power in your swing. The increased distance from the chest to the hand will provide you with a faster swing.

Balance

For a strong follow through, it is important to maintain your balance. Body weight should remain centered and be balanced on your legs. It is easier to maintain balance with proper posture.

The Swing

The swing is your passport to a great golf game. In doing the swing, make sure to keep the following in mind:

Rhythm is the key to a good golf swing. Focus on your rhythm and motion in performing the forward swing. A swing that is too fast would make the club and body work against each other.  A fast swing creates bad motion and will eventually result to a poor shot. The idea of the golf swing is to create speed on the downswing – not the back swing.  Take the club away slowly after the backswing for better motion and rhythm.

On a backswing, initially keep the club low to the ground.   A good backswing starts with the arms and not the hands.  As the club starts back, the left shoulder and hips should naturally turn to allow your weight to transfer to the right side. The hands should start to set at waist high. As the club continues to the top, the shoulders should continue to turn and allow your right elbow to bend to a ninety-degree angle at the top of your backswing.  At the top, it is important to have the hands set but not broken down. Overswinging will create off-putting club speed and incoherent swings.

The object of the downswing is to return the clubhead to the ball with maximum controllable speed.  A strong downswing creates poor golf shots.  On the downswing, make sure you push the whole club back and down, don’t just pull the grip down. Feel your right arm straightening back and down and the weight of the club in your right hand as you push against the club shaft.

To complete the swing, you must have a good finish. Remember to finish the swing with a follow through.  Also, the weight that you transferred to the right side in the backswing now must transfer to the left side. With a good finish your right knee should face the target, right foot up so all spikes are visible, and hands high close to your left ear.

Remember that you can only be confident with your swing through constant practice. As the adage puts it, practice makes perfect.  Once you achieve your “own” swing, don’t just stick to it but improve on it, just as the golf legends do.