Triangular Golf...
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Thought I might share with you an interesting technical detail and geometric component of a great golf swing. Below I have illustrated 3 swing motions at the top of the backswing..... that of Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy and Adam Scott. Please notice I have added the geometric lines to the photos. A common problem I deal with as an instructor is when a student's upper body/ torso moves in sympathy with the swing motion. Meaning the upper body is tilting towards, or away from the target at the top of the backswing. |
This type of swaying motion moves the center of the swing (which I believe is the head) out of position, thereby creating excessive movement, and most common than not an inconsistent shot outcome.
Recently I have added an additional "basic fundamental" to my recommended list of achieving better golf. In my clinics I stress "fewer moving parts" as an essential idea to consider. In support of that, we hear said of great athletes the common phrase"... he/she makes it look so easy"; I believe the essence of this expression lies in simplicity, efficiency and balance. I have said it before, I believe golf is a circular game... the triangle proves it!
Recently I have added an additional "basic fundamental" to my recommended list of achieving better golf. In my clinics I stress "fewer moving parts" as an essential idea to consider. In support of that, we hear said of great athletes the common phrase"... he/she makes it look so easy"; I believe the essence of this expression lies in simplicity, efficiency and balance. I have said it before, I believe golf is a circular game... the triangle proves it!
The virtues of a "steady head" in the golf swing...
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When I start a lesson with a new student, one component I really watch for is the movement of the head in the backswing. I always take a video with my iPad at the start so as to provide the visual example to my student. I make no bones about it, I really like a relatively steady head in the golf swing. Of course, it generally moves a little, but I like as little movement as possible and here is why... |
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1. A steady head makes it immeasurably easier to get the club head back to the ball.
2. A head & body that moves excessively, is a golf swing that moves excessively. It only makes sense, the club goes where you go! My issue is primarily on the backswing...I do expect the head to drop "just slightly" on the down swing as the legs lead on the way down, but only marginally... perhaps an inch or so. The Bubba swing below confirms this as we can note a very slight drop on the down swing. 3. A critical question in the analysis... "is the head moving or being moved? (ie. the sequence above shows the body moving too... is the head just following the body lead? 4. A steady head promotes a player to be more circular with his swing motion... I like that! 5. Below is the swing sequence of Bubba Watson... check his head position... use the mountains in the background for reference. |
As back-up, I have offered the recent article in Golf Digest by Arnold Palmer with star Kate Upton. It reads:
"Steady as she goes" ... by Arnold Palmer
I'm a big believer in keeping the head still. It applies to every shot with every club. I explained to Kate that the swing is basically a circle, with the head in the center. If you move the center, everything else moves with it, which throws all the parts out of kilter. It's OK to swivel your head to look at the target before you swing, and after the ball is gone you can look up to see where it went. But from address to impact, your head shouldn't move.
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I promised Kate that if she got in the habit of keeping her head steady, she'd hit the ball solid - a big challenge for beginners. Keeping the head in place also is a secret to creating power, because you'll make a better pivot and won't have any wasted motion. Above I have provided a motion series of pictures of Palmer's golf swing. Check out frame # 1 at address, and Frame # 6 at impact. Steady.. thanks Arnie! |
The Driver Set-up Position
Recently I have been working with a few students on their set up position with the driver. Here are my thoughts and recommendations, plus some great Tiger images.
a. I really like the set-up position to look comfortable and efficient. An athletic position would seem logically the best
b. The set-up should remain the same as the rest of the clubs. Pre-shot routine...Set the club at target/ then set the feet/ then set the hands
c. The width between the feet (with a driver) should be a little wider than with the iron...bigger club, bigger platform...makes sense
a. I really like the set-up position to look comfortable and efficient. An athletic position would seem logically the best
b. The set-up should remain the same as the rest of the clubs. Pre-shot routine...Set the club at target/ then set the feet/ then set the hands
c. The width between the feet (with a driver) should be a little wider than with the iron...bigger club, bigger platform...makes sense
d. A forward press with the arms and hands at address is discouraged...if you forward press you will be apt to leaning on your front leg...reverse pivot?
e. The ball most often is played by PGA professionals off the leading heal; in the front half of your stance is acceptable too
f. The butt of the club should be about the width of a wide span of your hand from your body...too much space will make you bend over too much and compromise balance?
g. An excellent rule to follow is the hands should be below the chin
h. The knees should be slightly flexed in an athletic manner
i. Your eyes should simply look out to the ball...do not force your head down
j. Sit your backside back just a touch...like leaning against a table top...body weight should be in the "balls to heels" of your feet...not "balls to toes"
The set-up is so much about posture....done right the game is made dramatically easier! An easy way to check your current address position is by either reflection in a window, or having a friend take a picture of you (with a phone camera). Compare your images to the set up position of Tiger in the images provided. Hey! Be a copy cat! Good luck!
e. The ball most often is played by PGA professionals off the leading heal; in the front half of your stance is acceptable too
f. The butt of the club should be about the width of a wide span of your hand from your body...too much space will make you bend over too much and compromise balance?
g. An excellent rule to follow is the hands should be below the chin
h. The knees should be slightly flexed in an athletic manner
i. Your eyes should simply look out to the ball...do not force your head down
j. Sit your backside back just a touch...like leaning against a table top...body weight should be in the "balls to heels" of your feet...not "balls to toes"
The set-up is so much about posture....done right the game is made dramatically easier! An easy way to check your current address position is by either reflection in a window, or having a friend take a picture of you (with a phone camera). Compare your images to the set up position of Tiger in the images provided. Hey! Be a copy cat! Good luck!
Be a "copy cat" & improve your game
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I was mentioning to a student the other day about using golf images as an instructional aide. What I am suggesting is try to copy the positions of the great players. For example I have attached a picture of Tiger addressing the ball. Get a friend to take a photo of you in the same position and compare the two images. (a simple task with today's technology) Another great image I have attached is that of Tom Watson taking the club away in a one piece manner...get a shot of yourself at that moment and compare. (A mirror or big window works too!) Are you finding these positions? Are you doing much the same thing? If not, why not? IT'S FUN TOO! |
Six quick fire golf tips (be sure to ask your PGA of Canada Professional)
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1. Take a video of your own swing and compare. What does it tell you? 2. Paint a line on your golf ball for putting directional purposes...Tiger does! 3. If you don't have a hybrid....get one. It will become your favorite club I promise! 4. During practice, always aim at a specific target or target line. 5. If you're putting poorly...change your grip. Try a different setup with the hands. 6. Play for something, anything...believe me, it will improve your focus! |
A quick unforgettable story to tip six.
I recall when I was about twelve years old I played golf (at Hazelmere Golf Club...my Dad was the lawyer for the club) with another lad who was about 4 years older than me. His name was Tim ...he was a good guy, had a decent game, and liked to gamble like me. Besides playing golf, we hunted for golf balls a lot together. Tim always arrived at the club on his motorcycle; I was totally verboten by my father to riding on it with him.
Anyhow, as the story goes I obviously lost my head one summer day as we played for $5 per hole. I had so much confidence in my game I truly thought I was unbeatable. Well I lost big time...I think it was for about $60. Where was I going to find $60 bucks, this was 1964.....and he wanted it! Well what was I to do? .....Did I mention, Tim collected stamps and (un)fortunately my Dad & our family did too. It all seemed simple enough until my dear mom caught me with the estranged gumbacks. I can distinctly remember hiding upstairs under my brother John's bed when my Dad got home. It wasn't long til I could hear my father rise to the occasion. Didn't have much of a defence besides admitting I had a poor game. I clearly remember receiving a damn good thrashing .....with regard to the stamps and the $60 bucks...not sure what happened there? If I recall, oddly enough, I think I noticed a wee smile on my dad's face after punishment time. He too loved to wager on golf! Hey! Like father like son! Good ol' Dad!
I recall when I was about twelve years old I played golf (at Hazelmere Golf Club...my Dad was the lawyer for the club) with another lad who was about 4 years older than me. His name was Tim ...he was a good guy, had a decent game, and liked to gamble like me. Besides playing golf, we hunted for golf balls a lot together. Tim always arrived at the club on his motorcycle; I was totally verboten by my father to riding on it with him.
Anyhow, as the story goes I obviously lost my head one summer day as we played for $5 per hole. I had so much confidence in my game I truly thought I was unbeatable. Well I lost big time...I think it was for about $60. Where was I going to find $60 bucks, this was 1964.....and he wanted it! Well what was I to do? .....Did I mention, Tim collected stamps and (un)fortunately my Dad & our family did too. It all seemed simple enough until my dear mom caught me with the estranged gumbacks. I can distinctly remember hiding upstairs under my brother John's bed when my Dad got home. It wasn't long til I could hear my father rise to the occasion. Didn't have much of a defence besides admitting I had a poor game. I clearly remember receiving a damn good thrashing .....with regard to the stamps and the $60 bucks...not sure what happened there? If I recall, oddly enough, I think I noticed a wee smile on my dad's face after punishment time. He too loved to wager on golf! Hey! Like father like son! Good ol' Dad!
~Scott Keenlyside, PGA of Canada Teaching Professional ~ (250) 858.4887 ~ scottkeenlyside@hotmail.com
