| Have you ever found yourself saying "I know what I am supposed to do, but I just
can't do it"? Too often the "perfect" golf swing eludes us. Wouldn't it be
convenient to have a full-length mirror close by every time we set up to the ball so se
could check our positioning before the swing. More often than not, however, it is not
what we do before we hit the ball, but rather what we do while in the process of hitting
the ball that causes the ball to go somewhere other than where we intended. Granted, a
good set-up is important to a good swing. If your set-up is good but your ball still goes
astray you can safely assume your swing is at fault.
There are essentially two golf swing check points: clubhead squareness and clubhead
path. Squareness refers to the nature of the clubface alignment in relation to the swing
path and whether it is at right angles to it or more open or closed. Clubhead path refers
to the direction of the clubhead in relation to the target; right, straight, or left.
Clearly there are many swing variations which occur given these two factors, some of
which are more desirable than others at any particular time. For the sake of simplicity,
let us assume the clubhead path is aimed straight toward the intended target. Combine an
open clubface with this and the resultant spin will force the ball to the right (a slice).
The ball will go to the left (a hook) with a closed clubface. A square clubface will
produce a straight ball flight.
| Drill: |
To test this, place a tee two or three inches in front of the ball. Swing
so the club path is straight from ball to tee to target and then vary the squareness of
the clubface each swing. Also, the divot taken will indicate your actual clubhead path
toward the target. |
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