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Golf Notes from 2024

Handshake-to-Handshake Swing Process

Setup & Backswing

  1. Arm & Shoulder Positioning

    • Elevate arms, keeping them in front of your body.
    • Shoulders should turn at an angle.
    • Bend over slightly more at address.

  2. Backswing Mechanics

    • Your backswing is longer than you think; a full swing should feel like 9:00.
    • Momentum of the club is crucial—don't yank on the handle.
    • Avoid cocking the wrists deliberately. Excess radial deviation at the top causes extension.
    • Use the No Thumbs Drill at the top of the backswing to reduce radial deviation and avoid excessive grip pressure.

  3. Shaft & Clubface Positioning

    • Ensure the shaft is less vertical at the top to help close the clubface.
    • Pull back with the trail wrist (motorcycle drill) from the top to reduce extension.

Downswing & Impact

  1. Weight & Wrist Mechanics

    • Feel the weight of the club to trigger the natural swing around your body.
    • Pronate the forearms just before impact to release angles and encourage a flat lead wrist at impact (Monte).

  2. Rotation & Momentum

    • Rotate around the front leg during the downswing. Allow the club to follow naturally, keeping hands in front of the body.
    • Let the momentum of the club guide the swing—don’t yank or overly control the handle.

Swing Thoughts for Driver

Setup

  1. Elbow and Arm Positioning
    • Tuck in the right elbow at address, but ensure the right arm stretches out at impact to avoid leaving the clubface open.
  2. Knee & Body Alignment
    • Shift knees back and forth slightly to maintain balance and promote a smooth weight transfer.
  3. Focus on Even Motion
    • Keep the swing centered around your body mass—avoid excessive or unnecessary movement.

Backswing

  1. Plane & Elevation
    • Get the club up higher in the backswing; avoid laying it off or going off-plane.
    • Think of shaking hands directly behind you but at head height for proper club position.
  2. Knee Rotation
    • Rotate the left knee inward during the backswing to aid in natural rotation and setup.

Downswing & Impact

  1. Lower Body Leads
    • Start the downswing with your lower body (hips and knees); if you start with your arms, the ball might go low and left.
    • Rotate the left knee inward, then swap with the right knee during the downswing.
  2. Slotting the Club
    • Drop the club into the slot as your knees center, then swing through for clean contact. (Video Reference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W4CQYOPtmzg)
  3. Release & Rotation
    • Release your hands fully at impact to avoid a push to the right.
    • Swing your arms down and out, letting the momentum carry naturally around your body.
  4. Finish Position
    • Focus on getting your butt to face the target in the follow-through.

Practice Notes

  1. After Range Time - Work on higher elevation with the arms during the backswing. - Ensure the left knee turn feels natural to ease rotation and enhance swing flow. - Let the forearms release naturally—practice swings should feel smooth and without tension.
  2. After Video & Garage Practice - Refine the left knee rotation inward (NOT towards the target) as it is key to solid contact. - Practice natural forearm release to avoid pain or stiffness from holding off the club too long.

Quickly Start Compressing the Ball

Setup

  1. Leg Stability
    • Keep your legs as still as possible during the backswing, focusing on creating a stable base while pulling the "slingshot" back.
  2. Club Position
    • Set the club slightly more upright at address for better control and compression.
  3. Arm and Elbow Alignment
    • Position the left arm close to your chest (by the pec) and keep the right elbow slightly tucked in.

Backswing

  1. Wrist & Club Positioning
    • Focus on reaching the top of the backswing with the club laid back into a pronated right wrist position. This helps prepare for solid contact during the downswing.

Downswing & Impact

  1. Swing Path
    • Swing down first, then around your body to generate power and compress the ball effectively.
  2. Trust the Turn
    • Don’t hesitate—the rotation of your body will naturally square the clubface.

Follow-Through

  1. Body Movement
    • Follow through with your body and lead knee moving toward the target. Watch for a divot in front of the ball as confirmation of solid compression.

Swing Checkpoints

Setup

  1. Positioning
    • Are you standing close enough to the ball for proper contact?
    • Keep elbows together to maintain a connected setup.

Backswing

  1. Rotation
    • Rotate around your body, focusing on thoracic spine rotation rather than just the pelvis.
    • Think about your left ribs rotating down to avoid lifting them up (Milo).
  2. Club Awareness
    • Feel the weight of the club before initiating the turn.
    • Use a "pull from the quiver" motion to complete a full turn. This may work better than just focusing on the club's weight.
  3. Width
    • Create width in the backswing by pushing away. Aim for a shorter swing with better control.

Downswing

  1. Movement Mechanics

    • Start with a lateral shift by pushing off the left side to initiate the downswing.
    • Pull from your right side during the downswing—this helps close the clubface and adds velocity. Avoid pushing with your hands.
    • Focus on working the butt of the club in and not out during the downswing.
    • Arms should elevate as the body rotates.

  2. Club Path & Release

    • Let the club drop naturally as you initiate the turn.
    • Ensure the club follows your body into the ball—refer to Milo's drills for guidance.
    • Relax your arms and grip to avoid toe hits.

Follow-Through

  1. Focus Points
    • Prevent spin-out and over-rotation by keeping your head focused on the back of the ball (Russ Heritage).
    • Use a "right slap" feeling, keeping your right hand traveling with your body as you turn.
    • Keep the left arm connected to your body during the follow-through.

Practice Notes

  - Accelerate at the ball during impact.
  - Use drills to maintain left-arm connection and prevent disconnection in the swing.
  - Continuously work on width in the backswing while maintaining control and proper rotation.

Iron Swing Thoughts

Setup & Backswing

  1. Backswing Plane
    • Ensure the backswing plane is more vertical. Imagine shaking hands high to achieve proper positioning.
  2. Weight Transfer
    • Focus on getting weight onto the front foot during the backswing. Failing to do so will cause you to hit behind the ball, even if the hands initiate the swing.

Rotation Ideas

  1. Timing & Weight Shift
    • Count "1, 2, 3" with a pause at the top of the backswing. By "3," your weight should already be on the front side.
  2. Body Turn
    • Turn your body toward the golf ball like a sprinter pushing off the blocks.

Downswing Mechanics

  1. Hip Rotation
    • Start the downswing by turning your right hip clockwise. This rotation will push your weight onto the front side.
    • Relax your arms during the downswing, allowing them to drop naturally. The lead arm and club will follow your body turn.

Range Notes

  1. Wedge Play
    • Use an almost full swing with your 54-degree wedge for 70-yard shots.
  2. Head Position
    • Keep your head centered during the swing. It doesn’t need to remain perfectly still but should stay centered for better consistency.
  3. Elbow Position
    • Avoid tucking the right elbow into your body excessively—it can open the clubface. Keeping the right elbow slightly away straightened out your slice.
  4. Arm Movement
    • Keep arms together through the swing:
    • Right arm rotates open.
    • Left arm rotates closed (Monte Schaumbam technique)—this worked well for straightening shots.
  5. Follow-Through
    • Focus on rotating around your front leg and ensure you get a divot after the ball for proper compression.

Practice Notes

  - Consistently reinforce weight transfer to the front foot, especially during drills and range sessions.
  - Focus on the hip rotation cue and the relaxed arm drop to achieve a natural and powerful downswing.
  - Use the "1, 2, 3" timing drill to practice weight shift and controlled rotation.