Square impact
The head of a golf club has the loft built into it, which means
we only have to use it the way it was designed. Trying to help
or
”
scoop
”
the ball into the air will not work. Golf clubs, particularly
the short irons, work when we hit down on the ball. If your wrists
are breaking too much
– especially at the point of contact and follow through – then
you aren’t using the club the way it was designed.
This drill is designed to reduce the amount of wrist movement on
shots requiring a shortened swing. In golf you want to eliminate
needless complications, and anything that doesn’t have to move that
does move is just that
– a needless complication. Keep in mind that the
”
basic
”
golf swing only changes in length, so once you master the
mechanics of this drill the swing arc will just get longer.
Square impact
The head of a golf club has the loft built into it, which means we only have to use it the way it was designed. Trying to help or “scoop” the ball into the air will not work. Golf clubs, particularly the short irons, work when we hit down on the ball. If your wrists are breaking too much – especially at the point of contact and follow through – then you aren’t using the club the way it was designed.
This drill is designed to reduce the amount of wrist movement on shots requiring a shortened swing. In golf you want to eliminate needless complications, and anything that doesn’t have to move that does move is just that – a needless complication. Keep in mind that the “basic” golf swing only changes in length, so once you master the mechanics of this drill the swing arc will just get longer.
Here is what you do: Get your pitching wedge and your seven iron. Hold your seven iron so that it runs parallel to your wedge with the seven iron’s head just below the grip. Now when you take your address position, make sure that the shaft on your seven iron runs up along your left arm and is out in front of your left shoulder (for a right handed golfer). Now start hitting some chip shots. If you are doing it properly, the upper shaft will not hit your side or hip area because you are keeping your wrist “locked.”
The secret is to turn the upper and lower right side of your body towards the target at the same time. You want to feel the club head “pinch” the ball into the ground.
Once you have mastered keeping your wrists firm through the impact area, you will need to add some wrist hinging to give added touch. The lack of hinging or cocking will create tension and a loss of feel, which is what short shots are all about. Remember you don’t have to choke the club to control it, just learn the right mechanics and the rest gets easier.
Just a reminder – any police officer, firefighter or active military personnel can play Eagle Ridge GC Monday through Thursday for half price, so please come see us. Eagle Ridge’s Kids Course is open every Sunday at 2 p.m. for kids 12 and under. Cost is $5 for all the holes you want to play. We provide clubs, balls and tees. 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 LPGA instructor, we will help. Golf is more fun when you’re improving. Don’t be afraid to be good.
