Swing Solutions

Over the past few weeks I have been emailing with one of our subscribers about professional golfers who bend their leading arm in the backswing. Gilles allowed me to share our discussion as it is so relevant for many recreational golfers.

Gilles’ Email: “I am writing an e-mail rather than using the “comment” section so as not to pass for the “smart ass” who attempts to bust your theory.” About the “straight leading arm” concept, which I must say I fully endorse. I saw Corey Conners (who swings with a bent leading arm) win a recent PGA tournament and place 2nd and 3rd in 2 others tournaments in 2019. He has a

Cory Conners won his first PGA tournament in 2019 with a bent leading arm in his backswing. It works because is able to straighten his arm in the downswing.

smooth, simple and efficient swing. He hits it pretty long too. Yet, he BENDS HIS LEADING ARM in the backswing up to about 45 degrees. How can he play so well?”

Will Curry’s Response: I also saw his bent leading arm. He is amazing but you will notice that his bent arm actually straightens as his lagging wrist releases. BTW Lee Westwood also has a slight bend at the top of his swing. However most pros play with a straight leading arm so it must be the ideal way to swing. However, I have seen many of the senior pros add a slight bend to their leading arm.

My wife had her neck fused at C3-4 after a car accident and got help from DWI Guys office in Albany to solve the case. She has this amazing golf swing with a BENT leading arm and drives consistently about 190 yards. A pro at our Golf Club told her that her “arm is naturally straightening out during her down swing so at impact she is in the perfect position.  Don’t try to change it.”

I created GOLFSTR after I saw the video of my swing lesson with a bent arm, swinging over the top and slicing across the ball. Practicing with GOLFSTR, I have improved my swing dramatically and I know that I often have a slight bend. Habits are hard to break but my best shots are with a straight leading arm.

Rory is the #1 golfer in the world because he commits to every shot with full power (and a straight leading arm).

Reply from Gilles: “I use my GOLFSTR but I must admit that I am not using it as often as I should. It does provide mental training to stop going too far back. I found that the tendency to over rotate, using the bent arm, is due to a subconscious thought that “further back equals a longer shot”. Of course, I need to fight this faulty reasoning and this is where the GOLFSTR helps. I’m finding that what appears to be a limited rotation with a straight leading arm produces more distance with added control. And, as you mention, “habits are hard to break”.

By the way, I always read, and appreciate, all of your blogs. I find they provide a fresh, and summarized, view of the golf swing. Somewhat like a “Readers Digest” of all the instructions in circulation. And God knows we can drown in this flood of golf tips coming from everywhere. It’s refreshing to have you give us a “layman’s” point of view, in a condensed form.”

Will Curry’s Response: Your understanding is exactly what I want you to feel about these blogs. I am always looking for that nugget of knowledge that will improve my game and then share those points. GOLFSTR+ is a training aid that reminds you to limit your backswing and limit your bent leading arm. Buy one today at www.GOLFSTR.com.

Golf Truism #6: Don’t play with anyone who would question a 7.

How many thoughts can you cram into the instant of time that it takes to swing a golf club? The more you try, the worse it gets. The best solution is to take your BRAIN out of your swing. Ideally you want your subconscious mind to take over with the right feeling for every swing in your game. The trick is to change from a mechanical swing to the feeling for a perfect swing.

If you have played this this game for 1 year or 40 years, you know that your game has its ups and downs. As it turns out, it’s all driven by your emotions. Your best shots are effortless and seem to come out of nowhere. Your goal is to bundle those shots every time you play.

Jason Day seems to go into a trance as he  visualize each shot.  He and Jack and Tiger can see their shot and lock it in their mind.  You can do it too.

Turn on Your Subconscious Mind
I was recently reminded (by the 2 best golfers who have ever played this game) that you will never be a great golfer until you shift your knowledge of the mechanics to visualization and feel for the swing that you want to execute.

Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods both been asked to described the reasons for their success. Of course they talk about their hard work but at the moment of truth they “zone into their swing”, they visualize flight of their ball and the target they want to hit. They change their focus from the mechanics of their swing to the “feeling” of the swing needed to launch their ball on the right path to their target.

Every successful professional golfer knows that they have to take their mind into a zone where they ignore the CLUTTER IN THEIR MIND (noise, a recent poor shot, personal problems and the pressure to win a match). Brooks Koepka says that he has no thought in his mind when he makes his shot. What he is actually trying to say is that he knows the feeling and swing path that he needs in order to execute each shot. His total focus is on launching his ball with the right shape to land on his target.

Bad Thoughts Create Bad Shots
Years ago, Dr. Bob Rotella had an article featured in Golf Digest that basically said “Your muscles have no capacity to remember anything.” Memory resides in your head. Muscle Memory does not exist. It doesn’t matter how much you practice or even how great your swing may already be. Great shots are created with positive thoughts and the right visualization and feelings for each shot.

The Solution:
Clear your mind by choosing your target, distance, club, line-up and grip. With that positive mental attitude, stare at your target to burn that image into your mind. Make a practice swing to FEEL the right swing. Relax your shoulders & arms to execute the right swing with the FEELING and mental image that you know will hit your target. Practice with GOLFSTR+ to develop confidence with your mind to let go when it counts on the course. Buy one today at www.GOLFSTR.com.

Golf Truism #5: The only sure way to get a par is to leave a four-foot birdie putt two inches short of the hole.

I designed, tested and manufactured GOLFSTR+ to help improve my golf swing with a straight leading arm. I realized that professional golfers all swing with a straight leading arm in their back and down swing so it must be the most critical factor to improve my game (and yours too). As you will learn in this blog, pro golfers who tried out GOLFSTR+ for their instruction, recommended a total of 6 swing fixes for this amazing golf training aid that can be put away in your pocket.

I recently saw a GOLF-INFO-GUIDE video where 2 PGA Pros, Pete Styles and Matt Fryer provided a perfect description of the benefits for a straight leading arm swing. “It gives you width, power, stability, consistency and accuracy.” What more could you want for every swing in your game? Pete summarized the benefits of the Swing as well as Power Generation.

Unfortunately I could not include the MP4 swing video of this youngster with a flat wrist, straight arm and head down after impact. Cute but inspiring.  Start young and it’s easy.  Email sales@golfstr.com and I will send you the MP4 video clip.

How do you “Create” a Straight Arm Swing
-Setup in your athletic golf position with feet apart & flared, knees bent and straight back bent at the waist to a 6 to 10 degree angle.
-Hold your leading straight arm elbow with your trailing hand.
-Now pull your leading arm across your chest (mine moves about 50 degrees), then rotate your shoulders and spine (mine adds about 40 more degrees) and then rotate your hips (mine adds about 30 more degrees= 120 degrees total).
– You may be able to rotate your leading arm 180 degrees the way the younger pros do but don’t strain yourself trying it.

Use this as a stretching exercise (but don’t overdo it). Realize that this is the limitation of your back swing. The cocking of your flat wrist including your finger grip (not a palm grip) will add another 90 degrees so that the shaft of my clubs rotates about 180 to 270 degrees from your setup position. DON’T bend your leading arm FOR MORE ROTATION. [Pros normally reach 270 degrees and John Daly and Brooke Henderson reach about 315 degrees.]

How does a Straight Arm “Generate” Power?
Your wrist release (Lag release) generates most of your power.   Wrist LAG is already built into your swing using your arm rotation and wrist cocking action.  In your downswing uncoil your hips and back by shifting your weight to your leading leg as you pull down on your STRAIGHT leading arm. The whipping action of your arm and wrist, released through impact, generates most of your club head speed and power.

Find your straight arm rotation point and limit your swing to that point. GOLFSTR+ was designed to remind you to limit your backswing without bending your leading arm.  Use it to train for 6 swing fixes. Buy it today at www.GOLFSTR.com

Golf Truism #4: The stages of golf are Sudden Collapse, Radical Change, Complete Frustration, Slow Improvement, Brief Mastery, and Sudden Collapse.

The world is trying to cope with Covid19 but we need to start thinking about recreational activities during the recovery period. Social distancing is the most effective way to limit your chance of contracting this deadly virus. Isolation also takes its mental toll and we all need to get outside. Walking or riding a bike are good options but we should considered playing golf while practicing social distancing.

I recently signed a petition to help governments consider the benefits of golf as a serious option to maintain our health without jeopardizing the health of others. Golf is one of the few sports that can be played while applying personal distancing. I was pleased to see this map showing that 48% of golf courses in USA have been opened in April. Please pass this email on to your government representative and to the Management of any golf courses in your area.

In Early April the National Golf Foundation announced that 48% of golf courses in USA are open. Please pass this along to your Private and Public Golf Clubs. We need the exercise and golfers will support Safe Distancing.

Recommendations for Safe Golf: [AVOID PERSONAL CONTACT]
1/ Payment: Select Tee Times and make payments on-line for your chosen course. Print out your confirmation and use it as an entry form at the #1 tee. By signing up to a Tee Time every golfer must agree to play under Social Distancing rules.

2/ Registration at the Course: Each course will have to sort out and manage 4somes at the first tee as all fees should have been paid on-line. Players can bring their own pencil and their own score sheet which could be printed out with your proof of purchase receipt.

3/ Carts or Walking: Courses will have the option to provide “sanitized golf carts” for a premium fee where 1 person can ride (or 2 people can ride only if they are partners from the same household). Walking with a 6 foot separation is ideal for exercise and your health.

4/ Flag Poles and Holes: Flag Poles remain untouched and holes can be setup with a rubber ring to prevent balls from going in the holes. The US Golf Association has already approved the use of hole-rings so that scores can be reported for your handicap index calculation.

5/ Ending Your Round: The traditional hand shake is out. An elbow tap, a bow or a tip of the hat are your safest options.

6/ 19th Hole: A tailgate gathering is NOT the best solution as it could cause a lot of interaction in the parking lot so we are recommending a Zoom meeting after the game when everyone can get home (sober and safe), find a beer (favorite beverage) and chew the fat while on line.

Golf is a very individual sport where each golfer can practice on an individual range mat. Driving Ranges and Golf Courses need to open SAFELY WITH SOCIAL DISTANCING. Of course you want to practice with your GOLFSTR+ for every swing in your game. Buy one today at www.GOLFSTR.com 

Golf Truism #3: There is no such thing as a friendly wager.

Our blogs normally focus on the positive thoughts for your golf swing. Fortunately I recently saw “3 Killer Moves” published in an Info-Golf-Guide blog by Thomas Golf and realized that our subconscious minds need this information. Your golfing companions may have pointed out your problems but they were not offering a fix. So try these 3 fixes to turn your game around.

1/ Swaying Back in your Backswing: BAD
When recreational golfers try to add more power to their golf swing, they often revert back to a baseball swing. If you sway back in golf, you will stay back in that position during your downswing and either hit fat shots or top the ball. During your backswing, you need to focus on hip and spine rotation (NOT swaying back). You will naturally load more weight on your trailing foot (during your backswing as your arms move to your trailing side). Start the shift of your weight to your leading foot during your transition. That will allow you to generate more power during your downswing as you press forward through impact.

Even the pros lose their focus. Sway, Lift and Balance are all killers when you lose control of your mind and body.

2/ Lifting Up in Your Back Swing or Down Swing: BAD
During your setup, you should take an athletic position with about a 6 to 10 degree bend at your waist as you rest the club behind your ball. That distance is the same critical distance that you need to hold for the point of impact in your downswing. Unfortunately many recreational golfer tend to stand up during the down swing. That increase in height will increase your chance to top the ball or create a slice. Stay down over your ball through impact.

3/ Losing your Balance During your Swing: BAD
If you rush your backswing or your downswing, you will tend to lose your balance. Just look at the position of your feet after you complete your swing. You know if you have this problem. An unbalanced finish will end in another erant shot.

Your backswing should take about twice as long as your downswing. Let your transition take place as you start your weight transfer to your leading foot. Your downswing should accelerate your club head as you release your wrists through impact with your ball. When you finish your swing in balance on your leading foot you can enjoy watching your amazing shot fly directly up your target line.

Practice your swing slowly and then swing faster (and in balance) as you eliminate all 3 of these Killer Moves. Practice with GOLFSTR+ to find your balanced swing speed to hit more consistent shots for lower scores. Buy one today at www.GOLFSTR.com.

Golf Truism #2: Never wash your ball on the tee of a water hole.

Your putter is designed to hit a ball in a straight line. Your task is to choose the right line and speed to make your straight putt go in the hole. So before you ever become a great putter you first need to learn to swing your putter to roll your ball without any side spin across a flat green on a straight line.

After you learn to hit a straight putt you have to apply the following 5 steps to sink every putt. Of course the challenge is to improve your skill in applying the following 5 steps to become a great putter.

The Science Behind a Straight Putt
You have to hit up on your ball to make it start rolling over and the face of your putter must impacting the ball on the balanced center with the swing direction exactly up your target line. To make your ball start rolling at impact, line the ball up so that the back edge is just in front of the center-line between your legs. This allows your putter face to swing up on the ball to make it start rolling from the point of impact.

To swing your putter correctly, rock the large muscles in your shoulders and back with locked elbows and wrists so that only your shoulders swing your putter straight through the point of impact and up your target line. To avoid pulling or pushing your putt, Andrew Rice reminds us to keep our head looking down until the ball is out of your sight. You have to practice this simple motion constantly to trust the straight roll of your putt up your target line.

Put Your Perfect Putting Swing Into Action
1/ Read the Break: Stand on the low point of the green below your ball and appreciate the distance and speed that you need to putt. Then stand behind the lowest end of your putting line (either behind your ball or behind the hole) and bend down to confirm the breaks on your putting line.
2/ Take 1 to 3 practice Putting Swings: Feel the amount of power you need to use to putt at least 12 inches past the hole (to minimize the break at the hole and knowing that short putts never go in the hole).

Choose the straight target line for your straight putt. Yes it curves but you have to hit it straight up your target line so focus on the straight swing of your putter.

3/ Choose Your Straight Target Line: In #1 you saw the break or double break. Choose your best estimate for the target line to direct your putt. Line up your body and putter to aim at a point on that straight line to start your STRAIGHT putt.
4/ Stare for 2 Seconds: Load a mental image in your brain by staring at the point that you want to reach as you extend your Straight Target Line to the distance of your putt.
5/ Visually trace a line straight back to your ball, lock your eyes on your ball, as your shoulders swing your putter back and straight up your target line.

You need to FEEL the right swing to putt 12 inches past the hole with your practice swing. Practice your straight putt with your locked wrist using GOLFSTR+. Buy one today at www.GOLFSTR.com.

Golf Truism #1: A two-foot putt counts the same as a two-foot drive.

Because our golf swing is a circular motion, the difference between a perfectly directed shot and a totally errant shot is a split second of motion. It seems like a miracle that we can send a high percentage of our shots in the right direction. The face of your golf club is pointing in a different direction at every point in the arc of your swing until impact. So a slight change in our power or energy must impact your success?

Different levels of your energy will also change the trajectory of every swing that you make with a golf club.  So don’t wimp out!

I quickly realized the problem of energy in my golf swing as I played a round during my recovery from Bronchitis (not C0VID19). I know that I had low energy as I had not played golf in a few weeks and I was still feeling week from my recovery. I was hoping that my weakened body with less strength would improve my golf performance. I have noticed that when I play injured with a strained muscle that I tend to minimize my power and actually improve the consistency of my hits.

Unfortunately the opposite happened. My weakened body was consistently hitting my drives to the right.   I did not have the strength of consistency in my swing to impact my club directly up the target line. I was either too weak to rotate my wrists at impact or I was just leaving the face of my club open at impact.

Rory is the #1 golfer in the world because he commits to every shot with full power.

THE DILEMMA:
I know that my weakened state was not helping my game. It just reminded me that squaring the face of my club at the point of impact is the most critical point in the swing. You can’t do this if you are in a weak state. You can’t afford to tighten up your muscles as the wrist release will never happen.

Commit to the Shot:
Your total focus has to be on powering your club through your ball and directly up your target line. You have to be committed to the shot. You can’t depend on a lazy swing to pull off a crisp shot. You wrist release has to be loose and focused on a power release at the point of impact.

Bottom Line: Relax your body and commit to a power release directly through your ball at the point of impact. You know it’s right when you hear that whooshing release of your club head through the ball. And don’t forget to finish in balance. Practice with GOLFSTR+ to get your feel and sound right. Buy one today at www.GOLFSTR.com

GOLF LAW #24: Don’t buy a putter until you’ve had a chance to throw it.

After last week’s blog covered a unique swing thought for each club, I was reminded by one of our subscribers that I should have covered the swing thought for “wedge play and chipping”.  I’d like to thank Richard Gula for his suggestion.  He said: “I use GOLFSTR for chipping position and practice with different clubs as well and it is terrific!”  [ BTW chipping was not included last week because we try to avoid making our blogs too long. ]

Mr Shot Game on the GolfersRX Swing Tips Blog gave us the most important building block for chipping and pitching:  “NEVER SWING DOWN!!!”  That negative thought is not going to help you develop the CORRECT swing but it sure does reinforce the problem that causes FAT, CHUNKED CHIPS AND PITCHES.

David Leadbetter chipping a longer chip with feet together and a more open stance. (Golf Digest)

To Chip or Pitch

A Chip is really just a full putting swing.  Its used to clear the fringe and run your ball up to the hole.  A pitch is simply a full swing and follow-through with any higher lofted club to clear a hazard or rough area to land on the green (possibly with backspin to help it checkup on the green).

Choose the Right Club

Every club in your bag can be used to make a chip or pitch shot.  It’s up to you to choose 2 or 3 of your PREFERENCE CLUBS that you know will reach your target with a chipping swing and a pitching swing.  I often see golfers chip with a pitching wedge or 60 degree wedge to clear the fringe and stop 30 feet short of the hole.  They are just choosing the wrong club for the job.  Dumb golfers deserve stupid shots.   If you don’t have 30 minutes to figure out what your clubs will do with a short or full swing then don’t waste your time golfing.

SWING THOUGHT

-Know that your club will swing through the lowest point of your swing arc directly below your straight left arm and shoulder [for right handed golfers].

-Practice with GOLFSTR+ on your trailing wrist to limit the hinge of your trailing wrist.

-Your chip is really a putting stroke where your club skims the grass directly up your target line.

– Practice YOUR CHIPPING swing with a 20 degree, 30 degree and 40 degree backswing and follow-through to understand the distance that each swing will produce with each of your PREFERENCE CLUBS.

-Let the weight of your club create the power for your swing.  Don’t rush it!

-Your SWING THOUGHT for CHIPPING is to use the same cadence for your back swing as your forward swing to impact.  Say the words “ONE, TWO” without acceleration  [using a longer backswing for longer runout]

-Your SWING THOUGHT for PITCHING is to accelerate through the ball with a full swing and limited wrist hinge to  a balanced finish facing your target.

Practice with GOLFSTR+ to limit your wrist hinge for chipping and pitching.  Buy one today at www.GOLFSTR.com.

GOLF LAW  #23: A ball you can see in the rough from 50 yards away is NOT yours.

Each of your clubs are unique so your swing thought needs to fit each type of club. The shaft length and club length & configuration is designed for unique purposes. I disagree with trainers who suggest that you should just clear your mind and swing. You can’t afford to lose the special opportunity that every club will give you with the right swing.

You may want to customize your setup and grip for each of your clubs but that will be your personal preference to create a draw, fade, high or low shot. Every golfer has a different body size with swing limitations so you have to accommodate the flexibility and range of your body rotation. This summary is only focused on the SWING THOUGHT that you should be using for each of your types of clubs.

Driver Swing Thought: Power swing up the inside quadrant of your ball. BOOM!

Driver: You will never improve your game until you can increase the length of your drives and land them in your planned target area. Power and direction are most important for your swing with your driver but you also need consistency for a draw or fade to ensure that you land your ball in YOUR target area. Jack Nicklaus said that the harder he wanted to swing the slow he made his backswing. SWING THOUGHT: Shallow your swing at the top to swing from the inside and up your target line. (IMPACT YOUR BALL on the INSIDE of the center-line.)

Fairway Metals and Hybrids: These are power clubs for hits off the deck. Again you are looking for distance and direction control but these clubs have shorter shafts and are designed for power. You should never try to increase your swing speed to gain more distance with these clubs. The harder you swing the worse your result because you have no height range for error. You need to hit the ball first and then skin some turf. SWING THOUGHT: Smooth back-swing and downswing on the same arc up your target line.

Irons: Each iron has a unique loft and will give you a limited distance as long as you hit the ball correctly. Practice with every iron to know you swing speed and distance that your club will generate. Choke down on your grip to shorten the distance for any iron but DON’T increase your swing speed (the kiss of death). SWING THOUGHT: Start shifting your weight forward during your transition to ensure that you bottom your swing (to take your divot) after impact with your ball.

Putter: Find a putter that has a weight, feel and look that you like. Test your putter to KNOW that every impact on the center-line will drive your ball in a straight line. Next, determine the straight impact LINE and weight to handle the slope of the green for your planned putt. If you chose the wrong line and swing speed, that’s your mistake. Feel it with your practice swings. SWING THOUGHT: Swing with exactly the same speed as your practice swing and impact UP on your ball at the center line of your putter as you stroke directly up your target line.

Keep a consistent swing thought for each of your clubs and your game will continue to improve. Remember K. I. S. S. (Keep It Simple Stupid). And practice with GOLFSTR+ to improve the consistency of every swing. Buy one today at www.GOLFSTR.com

GOLF LAW #22: There are two things you can learn by stopping your backswing at the top and checking the position of your hands: how many hands you have, and which one is wearing the glove

Maximizing club head speed with a square face at the point of impact is the ultimate goal for every golf swing.  As we age it’s will be helpful to know that there are tricks that we can use to maximize the speed of our club head through the ball without braking our backs. That’s right, your arms, spine, hips and feet need to SHARE the rotation for every golf swing.

Too often golfers wear out their spine by bending or arching their spine during their golf swing. Your spine is designed to rotate but you need to keep your spine straight during your swing. AVOID hunching over and hitting sideways with your back bent.  Arnold Palmer swung with a hunched back and it may have cut his playing career short.

THE GOAL
Coil the line along your spine to create a maximum backswing while maintaining a straight spine. In your downswing, uncoil your spine (feet, hips, shoulders, arms and wrists – in that sequence) to accelerate your club through the ball. People need to check https://tennesseespinesurgeon.com/ this link for the best spinal surgery advice.

Arnold Palmer lunged at his ball as he swung through his ball to balance on his leading foot.  I’m not sure how well his bent back survived.

Tricks to Help You Coil and Uncoil:
1/ Setup with your trailing foot open by about 25 degrees to allow your body to FREELY coil back in your backswing. (And you leading foot should be flared forward about 25 degrees too.)
2/ Use a rehearsal waggle to make sure that your shoulders as well as your hips are rotating. It’s like a dancing motion to make sure that you are rotating NOT swaying back.
3/ DON’T cock your wrist at the start of your takeaway like Michelle Wie and Dustin Johnson unless you want to slice your drives.
4/ Keep your leading wrist is flat throughout your backswing and transition.
5/ Try lifting the heal of your leading foot as you bend your leading knee in (the way Arnie did it) to help increase your backswing rotation.
6/ Let your bent trailing elbow create your flat wrist lag. Pull your club down at the top of your swing to ensure that you are swinging with a SHALLOW arc from the inside and up your target line. FOCUS on impacting your ball from the inside of the centerline (NOT square on that line).
7/ You may even be tempted to step out with your leading foot (the way Gary Player liked to practice) during your downswing. Baseball pitchers do it, why not older golfers.

Try these tricks to increase your windup and follow through but don’t rush your tempo. Just enjoy your powerful wrist release at the bottom of your swing. Practice with GOLFSTR+ to keep your leading arm straight for more torque at the bottom of your swing. Buy one today at www.GOLFSTR.com

GOLF LAW #21: If you want to hit a 7-iron as far as Tiger Woods does, simply try to use it to lay up just short of a water hazard.

GolfNuts.org

If you are a REAL Golf Nut you may want to subscribe to this site.  Lots of fun golf insights and things that golfer’s just like you are enjoying during their rounds of golf.  Check it out for a refreshing change.