Overview
Golf is one of the most popular recreational sports there is. People of all walks of life enjoy hitting the links whenever the weather allows them to do so. When it comes to the actual game, there is a lot of technique involved. By far, the most important part is the swing. The proper mechanics of a swing with the right form can make or break a golf game and ultimately make or break your day.
Fore!
Step 1
Grip the club properly. (If you're right-handed) Place your left hand on the club with the thumb down the shaft at a 12 o'clock position. Place the right hand over the top of the thumb and around the shaft. The thumb should be in about an 11 o'clock position. If you are left-handed, reverse the hands.
Step 2
Stand properly. Balance is the key thing in your stance. Stand with the weight of your body evenly dispersed on your feet. The inside of your front foot should be just ahead of the ball and your feet should be just beyond shoulder-width apart. Bend the knees slightly, keep the back straight and line the knees up with the balls of the feet.
Step 3
Align your body. Bend over slightly so your back is at about 45 degrees. Point your feet, hips, knees and shoulders in a straight line to your target. Now form a straight line from the left shoulder to the ground. This will cause your right shoulder to lower slightly.
Step 4
Start the back swing. At this point you are winding up and getting ready to swing. Envision your body being like a coil or spring. Draw the club back and recognize weight building up on your back foot. This is where the coiled up feeling begins. Keep turning until your front shoulder is past the ball. Your back should now be to the target and the club should be about level to the ground.
Step 5
Start the down swing. Plant the front foot and slowly shift the lower body toward the target. Make sure to still keep the knees slightly bent. You should be starting this weight shift before your arms reach the full extension point. This way you will get the maximum coil out of the swing.
Step 6
Now follow through. Twist your hips and pivot your your body. Drive through using the power of your hips and not your arms. When you follow through your front arm should be straight and your back arm should be close to straight upon contacting the ball. When you have followed all the way through, you should end up in a position where your front leg and hips are in about a straight line and your back and legs are in a "K" shape.
TIPS AND WARNINGS
- TIP : When gripping the golf club, you can also use an interlocking, overlapping or baseball grip with the fingers. For the interlocking grip, interlock the little finger of the right hand with the index finger of the left. For the baseball grip, place the little finger of the right hand right next to the index finger of the left and for the overlapping grip, place the little finger of the right hand on top of the index finger of the left.
When going into your back swing, do not rush. Coil back in a nice steady, controlled motion.
