Golf School Articles

Have you ever tried to throw a ball underhanded? As an unconscious effort each person will rotate their lower body and transfer weight as the hand and arm swing freely down the target line resulting in a straight throw. Translate that thought with a club in your hands and let the lower body rotate in the same fashion while allowing the club to swing freely down your target line. The timing of the lower body is working perfectly in sync with the upper body resulting in a more consistent golf swing. Thus, allowing the ball to get in the way of a good golf swing is the key thought.

Video analysis plays an important role in determining what that perfect swing should look like. Players who are trying to elevate their golf game should incorporate video into their lesson.

Golf Professionals can only tell a student or demonstrate to a student what is right from wrong. Video analysis allows the player to intuitively interpret exactly what the Golf Professional is trying to convey. Without a doubt video is the number one aid in helping students understand how they will achieve greater success.

Golf clubs are another important factor in having a good golf game. Unfortunately, players who buy golf clubs off-the-shelf are more likely to start with a handicap before they even swing the club. Each manufacturer has a standard length and lie angle. But, all players do not have the same body type. For example, players who are 5’ 5” are more likely to have a flatter swing than players over 6’ who are more likely to have an upright swing.

So, what does this mean?

The more upright swing would need to have a club with a lie angle more upright to allow for the club-head to be square at impact. A simple way to find this out is to look at your divot and ball flight. If your ball flight is out to the right you may have golf clubs that are too flat for your swing. If your ball flight is more to the left, your clubs are too upright. An easy way to figure this out would be to place tape on the sole of your club and hit off a flat piece of wood or plastic.

You will be able to identify what angle your club is striking the ball at impact by the wear pattern. If the wear pattern is off the toe, your clubs are too flat, if the wear pattern is off the heel, your clubs are too upright.

Obviously, if the markings are in the center, you are on the road to playing better golf.

This great game of golf is hard enough…if you would like to take your game to the next level you should schedule a lesson with a qualified Golf Professional so they can lead you down the path to lower scores and a more enjoyable game.

Written by Keith T. Bach, PGA
Director of Instruction
The Island Golf School