Observations about the golf swing

Here are some of my thoughts regarding the golf swing that may be of benefit to you as the new golf year approaches.

We call it a golf swing because that's what it is. Regardless of what you may think you swing the club with your arms.

The arm swing is allied to the shoulder windup in the backswing and the hip unwind in the downswing.

The shoulders should turn 90 degrees during the backswing.

In beginning the backswing "One Piece" simply means nothing working independently. It is a correlated movement - The shoulders turn smooth and the arms swing freely.

The two most common faults of the backswing are:

1. Picking the club up by lifting your shoulders.

2. Using independent hand action to either roll the face open or hold it shut.


"Hitting from the top"is a common flaw in the downswing that prevents the arms from working and swinging. It results from one of two faults:

1. Prematurely turning or spinning the shoulders into the shot. Also known as the "shoulder heave".

2. Prematurely uncocking the wrists - A jerking attempt to force the clubhead to the ball with the hands.

Both result from insufficient or "late" arm swing on the way down.


Players suffering from a lack of power or poor balance should have one simple thought at the top of the backswing: "Start down with your arms, make your arms swing the clubhead down and through the ball.."

Best wishes for a Merry Christmas and a better golf game in 2012.

Steve K.