By JIM SUTTIE
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
I am often asked "How can I simplify my swing?" Or "How can I become more consistent?" My answer is to "simplify your movement."
The object of any golf swing is to come into impact with a square face (club facing your intended target), center face impact, an inside-to-down-the-line approach to the ball, enough club head speed to achieve distance and the correct angle of approach coming down.
I realize this may sound overwhelming to some, but sometimes less is more, and in this case less movement in certain areas may be more productive. First, let's target two factors for inconsistency and later we'll move on to elements for inconsistency and corrections in the next column.
A "less-is-more'' approach is best achieved by taking excess motion out of your swing. For example, a three-quarter backswing is probably better than going all the way to parallel. Most people swing too long because they turn their hips too much on the backswing. It's probably better to keep your left foot on the ground and only turn your hips 45 degrees on the backswing. The best drill I know to cut down on excessive lower body motion on the backswing is the barstool or kitchen stool drill. Put a stool between the legs to restrict hip turn.
Another area where excessive motion occurs is also in the hips. However, this time it occurs because golfers set up far to the left at address, and then have to sway back to the right on the backswing. A proper spine tilt to the right allows the golfer to turn around the spine without swaying.
Many golfers create excess motion at the top of their swing by picking up the club on the take-away or over-extending. Both errors create a long golf swing. Long swings are hard to time because the hips must slow down on the downswing so the hands, arms and club head can catch up. A shorter swing allows the lower body to work first and work fast and the club can always catch up.
To become more consistent, shorten your swing. In this case, less is best.
(Dr. Jim Suttie, the 2000 PGA Teacher of the Year, is director of instruction at The Club at TwinEagles in North Naples, Fla. and at Cog Hill Golf Club in Lemont, Ill.. Call 1-800-765-3838. To learn more about his instruction philosophy check out his new book, "Your Perfect Swing." Suttie is a Golf Magazine Top 100 Teacher and coaches the Florida Gulf Coast International men's golf team. E-mail him at jmsuttie@aol.com or call 1-800-765-3838).
