Some Pros Bend their Leading Arm

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.