Take a Good Swing At It With These Pointers

When learning the game of golf, apart from gauging your distance accurately and choosing the right club, it’s all in the swing. However, in trying to incorporate all the do’s and don’ts of the “perfect swing,” it’s often easy to think about your swing too much until you end up feeling like a human pretzel. First of all, there is no perfect swing. Although there are certain fundamentals that most golfers employ, such as focusing on balance and getting a good grip on the club, every golfer has his or her own style that delivers results. That said, is there such thing as a natural swing? “I believe there is; it’s like any sport someone tries for the first time—some people are just ‘naturals,’ ‘’ says Chris Johnston, head pro at The Highlands Golf Club in Post Falls, ID. “If the person has good hand-eye coordination, they usually do very well in any sport with a stick and a ball. I think that’s why we see so many professional athletes take up golf.” However, if you’re someone that needs a bit more help finding that inner athlete, here are some tips to keep in mind. Let’s start with grip. Keep it light. In addition to the type of grip you choose, light grip pressure is important. Gripping the club too tight can cause your shots to lack power and hook or slice (hitting the ball to the left or right respectively, from the line of target). A lighter grip enhances wrist control and increases the amount of clubface rotation, thus improving your chance of squaring the club at impact. Get a good angle. The club should be angled across the fingers of your lead hand (inside hand) so that the club end is resting at the base of where the little finger meets the palm, the shaft lining up just above the first joint of the index finger. Now, place the thumb of your lead hand toward the back side of the shaft so that you see a “V” created by the thumb and forefinger, pointing back toward your trailing hand (outside hand). Now you are ready to finish your grip with one of three types; deciding on which one to use is just a matter of personal preference—what works for you. However, keep in mind that the club should not be held with your palms but rather your fingers, primarily the index finger. Overlap Grip: the most common grip used, the Overlap is most likely to be taught by golf instructors. Start by placing the little finger on the trailing hand and place it between the index and middle finger on the lead hand. The lead hand thumb should fit in the lifeline of the trailing hand. Interlock Grip: the next most common grip, this one is good for people with small hands, weak forearms and wrists, and beginners as it helps them to better control the club. Intertwine the little finger on the trailing hand with the index finger on the lead hand. The lead hand thumb should fit in the lifeline of the trailing hand. Ten Finger grip: sometimes called the Baseball Grip, this one is the least preferred grip among teachers, although it does have its advantages and is suggested for people who experience joint pain, have arthritis or who have small, weak hands. Place the little finger of the trailing hand close against the index finger of the lead hand. Cover the lead hand thumb with the lifeline of the trailing hand. Now it’s time for the swing. Relax. When you address the ball, relax and keep your hands and forearms tension-free. Being too tense will interfere with your body’s transference of power to your club. Keep it steady. Keeping a steady tempo in your swing is important. Often the tendency for new golfers is to swing too fast, as they think speed translates to a strong, good hit. However, swinging too fast is when your downswing can lose control. If you’re having trouble with your swing, think about slowing things down. Put some torque on it. A good swing is in how you use your body, not your arms. Knowing how to release your body’s stored-up energy (torque or coil) from the top of your backswing is where it’s at. When your swing goes back, your lower chest (think about six inches above your bellybutton) should pivot so that your chest ends up facing away from the target. Of course when you do this, your shoulders will turn as well and your weight will transfer to your back leg. Now let it fly! At the top of your backswing, cock your wrists slightly, and transferring your weight to your inside leg, release your torque with a smooth downswing, ending with your bellybutton facing the target, your club over your inside shoulder and your back heal slightly raised (think of your body in the shape of a backwards “C”). If, after practicing on your own, you find you’re having trouble getting your swing to match what you envision, what do you do then? “The error, among many of culprits, could be from their set up, backswing or forward path,” says Johnston. “As this game is a very individual game, and every player different, it’s a good idea to call your local PGA Professional and schedule a lesson. They have the knowledge and the know-how to remedy your situation in the best possible way.”