Flying elbows and bent arms are a sure way to miss-hit a golf
ball
Flying elbows and bent arms are a sure way to miss-hit a golf ball.
When you start bending your lead arm (your left arm if you’re right handed), it eliminates the torque in your backswing, which would be created if your arm were kept straight. With a straight left arm, it forces you to turn your back and shoulders to get the club into proper position. This is similar to winding a top, as it stores power in the stretched muscles.
When you release this stored energy, greater clubhead speed is achieved. When you bend your left arm during the back swing, your back is not turned fully and you’re simply using the power in the arms, not your back. Last I checked, the back muscles are more powerful than the arm muscles.
It may take you a while to increase your flexibility and be able to make a full turn with your back and shoulders, but it is better to take a shorter backswing with a straight left arm than and long backswing with a bent one.
Don DeLorenzo is a PGA-certified instructor at Gilroy Golf Course. To schedule a lesson with Don, call Gilroy GC at (408) 848-0490.
