30th April 2014

Golf

Now, with the better weather approaching (well, as far as Scotland is concerned) would be a good time to bring up the subject of 'The Gowf', one that is dear to my heart.

            I really don't know if it is a Scottish thing, but since discovering what the sport was really all about, in my thirties (I discount the error-strewn months I spent on my desert island - see the photographs) it has been a never-ending source of comfort and bonhomie. Some - the wife for instance - might call it a three hour (or thereabouts) interval of procrastination. I had to look that up to see what she meant.

            It is a time of the year to hive myself along to the driving range to see whether (after the winter has passed)  I can still turn when I try to swing at 'the little white pill' - as sung in the old song 'Donald The Dub', by Frank Crumit.

            Like every golfer I have ever met, I avariciously hunt for the latest ideas on how to do something about my golf score. I have lots of books and other pieces; but here are two  bits of errata that should keep you going for a while - wake up at the back! I don't remember when I put this together. Feel free to criticise and disagree.

1.

 THE GOLF SWING

MOST IMPORTANT GENERAL POINTS

1. The spine must be parallel to the ground.

2. LEFT SHOULDER In golf this is the most important part of the anatomy of the swing.

    It begins the backswing.

    It begins the forward swing.

    It provides force and power.

Think exclusively of it and it alone [i.e. the Left Top Centre of the body].

3. [Do NOT initiate back swing with the upper-arm].

4. THE SHOULDER-ARM-HAND- ALL TURN AS ONE UNIT MAKING THE       

    HUB.

[THE ENTIRE SWING IS MADE BY THE UPPER BODY].

5. Hold the Left Shoulder High at address.

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THE BACKSWING

1. In the Backswing the Left shoulder moves down under the neck – 

    and the left arm goes up simultaneously.

    [Begin and complete the backswing by pushing the Left shoulder  

    down – Left arm up].

2. The head must turn to the right on the backswing – but the eyes

    always see the ball. [Or turn the head slightly to the right before

    start of the swing].

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THE FORWARD SWING

1. Commence with the Left shoulder

    Concentrate on this alone.

2. Start Forward Swing with Upward move of Left Shoulder.

3. Always see the ball being hit (before turning the  

    head with the body to the left).

4. Hold the Left Shoulder Very High at impact. – Hit Up.

5. Simultaneously think of hitting with the Right Upper arm directly 

    upwards.

6. Pull upwards as quick as possible.

    [Do so until the Left shoulder completes a half-circle and is behind

    the neck].

                    This will all occur faster than the backswing.

                   

                    The Result is an IN to OUT Grooved swing.

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THE SPINE

1.  It must be parallel to the ground – on all  shots – from just below the

     neck, just before impact.

    [At address and on all shots (which will vary with body and club)

    the spine is in this position].

2. Crouch if necessary to strike the ball firmly - with the spine

    parallel to the ground.

3. Golden rule regarding the swing and the spine:

     Consciously turn the shoulders around a horizontal upper spine (i.e when

     bent over the ball)  at right-angles to the spine’s axis.

  

     [The upper torso will make a quarter circle on the back-swing

     It will make a half-circle on the forward movement.

      That is all that is done consciously].

     [All else is secondary, subconscious, automatic, with no assistance 

     from the player]

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ARMS, GRIP, SHOT, DISTANCE

1. Arms hang vertically on all shots.

    (Only with long clubs are they a little forward).

2. Always grip very firmly. It is wise to shorten the grip on the club. (Use a

    rubber band – and grip below this).

3. The Shorter the shot to be played – the longer the pause/stop

    before the forward swing.

4. Distance achieved is due to the degree of loft and club speed.

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2.     Now, this might be my all-time favourite image dealing with the golf swing. It says it all don't you think - my fellow golfers? It also rather contradicts the remark that 'all else is secondary, subconscious, automatic, with no assistance from the player' - made above. Aaargh!

Enjoy.