Golf Myths

Back in the day, good golfers used to roll their hands open on the backswing. This move opened the club face at the top of the swing. An interesting position to be in since you want the club square at impact.

This open position created a need to make a severe correction on the way to the ball in order to square the club up at impact. This correction required tremendous timing and great hand eye coordination. Only the best players could do it on a consistent basis.

This is absolutely true.

So, here is a question. Why in the world would someone of average or less talent attempt this exact move over and over and over?

I must admit that I have no clue as to what the answer is.

But, what I do know is, that I see this move all the time. Swinging their arms and rotating the club face open and then having no idea how to get the thing back to square.

So how do you know if you are one of those?

If you take your normal move away, watch the position of your left elbow. If it tends to move up and your right elbow tends to move down, you have rotated your arms and opened up the club face.

If you know what to look for, tell someone else to see if you are opening the club face. You will have to explain exactly what you mean. But that might be more reliable than for you to look at your own elbows.

What happens next is when the mess starts.

Almost everyone will cast the club or “get long” on the downswing. This is in an attempt to get that club face square. Unfortunately, it is a very serious power drain, it releases the club way early, it causes you to ” drag” the club to impact and you will likely hit the ground way before you hit the ball if you don’t compensate by having a serious and powerful weight shift.

WHEW!

That is the bad news. Trying to make this move is almost impossible. I know this very well since I used to do it too. I was cured when I took at lesson at David Leadbetters golf school here in Florida.

I will give you the benefit of this golf instruction. A golf lesson that to this day is one of the very best bit of golf instruction that I have ever participated in.

The cure for this problem is simple, if you could do it. It is ” just don’t roll your arms” but that doesn’t cut it for most. Kind of a let down, I know.

Here is one way to look at it.

Make the club face look at the ball for a very long time on the move away. Keep it looking at the ball. Do not roll it away. And about half way back the club face should be almost looking at the ground.

If you put pressure on the grip with your right index finger, to hold the club face square while moving it into your back swing, you will be able to keep the club”looking at the ball a long time”

Try it. Grip the club and put down pressure on the grip with your index finger of your right hand. All the while thinking of keeping the club face looking at the ball.

Or…..

Take another ball and put it behind the club on the ground. Now push it straight back as you move away.

Or.. take a small block of wood and place it behind your club on the ground and push it back straight as you move away.

Either way will show you how to move the club back without rolling your arms and getting the club open.

Now if you are able to do this, you will find that your hits will be crisp and there will be a divot. After the ball not before.

This move should also shorten your back swing some. Believe me that is a very good idea.

Check points are the left wrist at the top of the swing should be flat. Never cupped.

Half way into your back swing the club face should still be looking at the ground..more not less.

The right wrist should be in the trayed position at the top of your back swing. More not less.

If you are able to get this done, you will be shocked and amazed at the difference in your ball striking. Remember to give it a chance. These moves don’t come over night. And they are not easy. Be willing to take the time and effort to become as good as you can at this game. You can do it. We all can.

So have at it……….. get her done!!

By: Paul Macleod

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