Take the Brake Off

photo credit: Clintus McGintus   Many amateurs are not aware that the back foot acts like a brake during the backswing, here's how:  Assuming you are in the address position, if your back foot is pointing straight towards the target line, it will prevent you from making a full body turn going back.  If you point your back foot towards the one or two o'clock position (for left-handers it would be eleven or ten 0'clock) you will find that it frees your hips up to make a longer turn going back.

Moving the back foot away from the target allows you to take the club back to parallel at the top.  Try it the next time you are on the practice range and you will notice a huge difference in how much farther you can take the club back.

Backswing Fundamentals

photo credit: Tarter Time Photography   The downswing is a replication of the backswing.  Take the club back improperly and expect a poor shot.  There is one problem:  How do you make a good backswing?

The club should be started back with your arms and shoulders.  Once the club is “pushed” back in that manner, the hips and arms begin their move to the rear.  The wrists begin to break about half way back.  The body movement to the rear creates a coiling action which develops torque and torque is what creates clubhead speed.

An instant before the backswing reaches the top, the hips begin their forward movement (twist).  This forward movement creates a catapult-like action which drives the club at a greater forward speed towards the ball.  If done correctly, you can achieve maximum distance and shot accuracy.  Synchronizing this entire movement requires patience and plenty of practice.

The Long Putt

photo credit: Kelowna09   Long putts of 30 ft. or more can intimidate even the best putters.  There is no need to fear long putts if you concentrate on a few important principles:

(1)  Putting is all about speed – no matter what the distance, if your speed is incorrect you will nearly always miss the putt – speed can increase or decrease the break in a green.  (2)  Stand more upright – not only will it give you a better view of your putt but it will tend to make you use more arms and body in your swing.  (3)  Grip the club towards the end of the handle – this will encourage a more upright stance and add more clubhead speed to your swing.

Practice tip:  On the practice green, stand about 30 -35 ft. from the fringe.  Hit your putts so they stop right where the fringe begins.

Don’t Decelerate

photo credit: AmCham Shanghai   A decelerating golf swing, (slowing on the downswing) can mean only one thing, a bad golf shot.  A professional almost never decelerates during their swing because they know that swing consistency is a critical factor in playing great golf.

It all begins with the practice stroke.  When you take your practice stoke concentrate on making a good follow-through with a high finish.  When making the shot, try not to think of hitting the ball or where it will go once it is hit.  Concentrate on duplicating your practice swing and making a full finish.  Think in terms of  accelerating through the shot.  Doing this will develop consistency, a better golf swing and most importantly, better scores.