Breaking 80 : Hit it straight – golf swing tips – Brief Article

Scott Davenport

You’ve found some distance, but to get you to the next level your swing needs some direction. That means producing shots that not only fly straighter and a little lower, but developing a swing that is a little more controlled. The key is getting the arms and body working together.

Turn body more, release hands less

For a controlled swing, make a punch-shot motion with a shorter backswing and more body turn on the downswing. The arms and body should move through the ball as a unit. Focus on the body rotating to the target and the hands finishing high with no release. Avoid a flippy release where the right hand crosses over the left on the follow-through.

More club, less swing

To keep your swing under control, opt for more club. That way you’ll focus on making a smooth swing, not trying to hit the ball harder than you can.

Three knuckles for power and control

With passive hands, a weak grip won’t get it done. Grip it so you can see three knuckles on your left hand. It’ll be easier to keep the clubface square at impact and still deliver some power to the ball.

`Heel’ your swing path

Addressing the ball in the heel of the club will encourage a less-handsy swing. This keeps the clubface square longer, producing straighter shots.

Straighter is better

Train your mind, as well as your swing, to hit dead-straight shots. Imagine you have to drive it down a corridor of trees like the Avenue of the Oaks in Sea Island, Ga. You might feel as if you have to bunt it, but challenge yourself to swing harder while maintaining that same controlled motion.

COPYRIGHT 1999 New York Times Company Magazine Group, Inc.

COPYRIGHT 2000 Gale Group

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