Contrast:
In the picture on the left I have made a nice, full shoulder turn with a long backswing.
You might expect that this would result in a nice, long drive, but the reality is, with a lack of control, I will probably just end up looking for my golf ball in the trees. You see, a long swing with no coil or torque is useless.
Drill:
- Place a football or beach ball between your knees and then make a full backswing.
- Notice how short your swing seems, but how powerful – or fully loaded – it feels. I know by looking at the two pictures which of the two swings I would prefer!
- Now that you have a feel for real power, the trick is to try to replicate this on the golf course. You will have longer, straighter shots – guaranteed!
Oh, and by the way, a shorter swing will generally lead to more consistency at impact.
If you hit it better, you hit it further.
Tip by James Loughnane
James Loughnane is the director of golf at King David Golf Club in Cape Town. He is an AAA member of the PGA of SA as well as a member of the British PGA. James is a former winner on the Sunshine Tour and is a Mizuno staff player.
Contact James on 083 507 8102.
