Ever given much thought to how your internal hip rotation affects your golf swing? Probably not, but this is just one example of how physical limitations can seriously damage your swing.

Sufficient internal rotation of the right hip (for right-handed golfers) is vital for powerful and efficient coiling of the body on the backswing. This allows the upper body to rotate around a solid right leg, producing maximum power and a solid backswing position.

If there is a limited range of movement in this area (as shown in the picture above marked with red lines), the result is likely to be a sway of the hips to the right. This restricts the body rotation, causing a loss of power and the shifting of the centre of your swing away from its central position. This means inconsistent ball-striking and undue stress on the back – quite a chain reaction for a part of the body you’ve never given much thought to.

In such circumstances, no amount of practise will solve the problem as your body cannot get into the positions required. Golf-specific exercises would be required to allow you to swing more effectively without the danger of injury.

Other physical requirements for a correct powerful coil include the ability to separate the upper body from the lower body (known as the X-factor at the top of the backswing) and a strong right glute muscle. Who says golf isn’t an athletic sport?

Your modern PGA pro is trained in golf-specific sports science, having covered subjects such as anatomy, physiology, nutrition, health and injury prevention as part of the three-year training programme. For advice on your holistic golf game contact your local PGA professional.

This instruction was provided by Michael Balderstone, the founder and elite performance director of The Golf School of Excellence, which offers training programmes such as Elite Academy and the PGA Diploma to train players for a playing career or a career in the business of golf. Michael is also a coaching assessor for the PGA of SA and has advanced professional status from the PGA of GB & Ireland. Tel: 011 659 4719 or e-mail info@tgse-golf.com