Turning the ball over starts with soft elbows
I think there are some misconceptions about how tight golfers
should keep their elbows during the golf swing. I see so many
golfers try and keep their left arm so straight during the back
swing that the face of the club is facing the sky when the club is
waist high on the target side of their body. If you make the proper
body rotation on the forward swing, the centrifugal force will
straighten out your left arm at impact even if your arm bends
during your backswing.
Turning the ball over starts with soft elbows
I think there are some misconceptions about how tight golfers should keep their elbows during the golf swing. I see so many golfers try and keep their left arm so straight during the back swing that the face of the club is facing the sky when the club is waist high on the target side of their body. If you make the proper body rotation on the forward swing, the centrifugal force will straighten out your left arm at impact even if your arm bends during your backswing.
Try this: Take your address position without a club. Now swing your shoulders and lock your left elbow. What you will find is the back of your left hand will be facing the sky as you swing it through almost up to your shoulder (if there was a club in your hand you just hit an open face slice).
This is how your left arm should work: Think about how you would throw a Frisbee. When you throw the Frisbee your left arm bends on the way back, and as you swing your arm forward the back of your hand starts to rotate. When you let go of it, your elbow rotates down and your forearm rolls over it and your palm is facing the sky.
We have all heard the expression, “turning the ball over.”
t starts with soft elbows. The next time you are at the range working on your swing, start working on softer elbows; it’s almost like buying a can of “Slicebegone,” if you can find it. Play well.
Just a reminder – any police officer, firefighter or active military personnel is invited to play Eagle Ridge GC Monday through Thursday for half price, so please come see us. Have any golf related questions? From rules to club fitting you can call me at 408-846-4531 or e-mail me at sk*****@ea**********.com.
If you would like to read some of my past tips, you can do so at www.pinnaclenews.com. And don’t forget, if you’re not having fun playing golf call your local PGA or instructor, we will help. Golf is more fun when you’re improving. Don’t be afraid to be good.
