This common takeaway mistake is killing your swing. Here’s how to fix it
Welcome to Play Smart, GOLF.com’s regular game improvement column to help you become a smarter, better golfer.
I’ve been pretty aggressive about my workout routine this winter. In the past, I’ve gone to the simulator maybe once a week to get hacks, but this year, I decided to step it up a notch. Every week since November, I have made it my goal to hit the balls at least three days a week. That might not seem like a ton, but if you’re in NYC, it’s quite a commitment.
This has been great for learning about my golf swing. While I once relied entirely on feel to build my swing, I now know better how to do it – and how certain movements affect my ball.
One of the most important things I have learned is how to me start the swing is definitely flawed. As I begin my eating journey, I tend to rotate my hip line back too quickly. Pastor Justin Kraft posted a great video demonstrating this error recently, which you can see below.
This is a mistake that plagues many golfers and can lead to all kinds of problems. When I do this, the club tends to get a little sucked in, and then when I get to P3 (lead arm parallel to the ground) I can’t push back with my hips. To compensate, I have to raise my hands higher in the swing. Since then, I have difficulty bringing the clubhead to the correct angle of attack and I have an inconsistent low point, both of which are important for consistent ball strikes.
So, what to fix? It all starts with the sequence where you turn at the top of the backswing.
As Justin explains in the video above, you need to focus on turning the chest away from the target first and then bringing the hips back. If you do that, you’ll start your swing in the right order and be in a much better position to deliver a solid strike to the ball.
Divot board
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