| "Golf is a game of controlled aggression." (Source | | | | be hit from the outside, causing a pull and a slice. |
| unknown) "Golf is a funny game, you swing down | | | | A ball that is too far forward in your stance can |
| to make the ball go up." Tina Michelson quoting her | | | | not be hit with a descending blow. Other than a |
| father. These two quotes are more important to | | | | driver and perhaps a 3 wood, the ball should be |
| me than all of the books and magazine columns I | | | | behind the center point of your stance. To hit a |
| have ever read about the golf swing. Maybe they | | | | ball in this position you must swing down rather |
| will help you too. | | | | than sweeping or scooping the ball off the ground. |
| I am 6' 7" tall and weigh 210 pounds, you are 5' 3" | | | | The correct ball position will allow you to swing |
| tall and weigh 130 pounds. Making both of our | | | | down on the ball with the club coming from the |
| swings appear identical will destroy this game for | | | | inside. This swing path will allow you to hit the ball |
| one or both of us. That doesn't mean that you | | | | with a draw instead of that hated slice. |
| can reverse the position of your hands on the | | | | The correct ball position for you is dependent on |
| club or stand with your back to the ball either, but | | | | the swing style you have chosen and the club |
| each of us must find a swing that fits who we | | | | you are using to hit the ball. You will find the best |
| are. | | | | placement with practice. Watch the shape and |
| Most tour pros have learned similar classic or | | | | direction of your shots, this will tell you what |
| traditional swings. Still there are some pros like | | | | corrections are required. |
| John Daly and Jim Furyk who have success with | | | | The classic swing is a beautiful thing when |
| unusual swings. What should you learn? | | | | demonstrated by a well trained individual. Many |
| Golf is a game about accuracy at great distance. | | | | pros, books, articles, and swing aides exist that |
| Many beginning golfers try to swing too hard in | | | | will help you learn this swing if you remain focused |
| the search for power and distance. Excessive | | | | and committed to practicing. |
| swing force makes it difficult for the golfer to | | | | The classic swing is also complex and requires |
| remain stable during the swing. The result is miss | | | | some time to master. Simplified swing mechanics |
| hits and very poor accuracy. You must have | | | | have been developed and documented |
| aggression, but you must also control it. Most | | | | successfully by several teaching individuals. These |
| teaching and playing pros talk about swinging at | | | | alternate techniques also have books, videos and |
| 80% of their potential. | | | | training aides. They also require commitment and |
| Beginning golfers frequently have problems | | | | practice. |
| making good contact with the ball. Shallow swings | | | | Given what I know now, I would start learning to |
| may swoop the ball of the turf leaving little or no | | | | play golf with a simplified swing. I assume you are |
| mark on the course. These swings are very | | | | not going to spend hours and dollars visiting your |
| difficult to time properly and can very easily lead | | | | local pro. After making that decision you should |
| to thin or missed shots. | | | | choose the simplest swing mechanic you can find. |
| Your golf clubs were designed to get the ball in | | | | Once you have made the choice which technique |
| the air for you. Swing down into the ball, take a | | | | you wish to learn and whose training materials |
| small divot and allow the club to do the work. | | | | you want to use, commit yourself to that |
| Never try to help the ball into the air. Only a ball | | | | material only. Don't read several other people's |
| sitting on a tee can be struck with an upward | | | | books or articles. This will only confuse you and |
| blow, every ball sitting on the ground must have | | | | delay your progress. |
| some downward force applied during the swing. | | | | Any proven source and material will help you |
| In general beginning golfers tend to stand with the | | | | make progress as long as you remain focused |
| ball too close to them and too far forward in their | | | | and diligent. This is because you will stop trying to |
| stance. A ball that is too close too you can not be | | | | make a new golf swing for the world and just |
| hit from the inside, the way pros do. It can only | | | | learn one that already works. |