Watson’s shortcuts: make a full shoulder turn to swing down with more power
Tom Watson
Craig Stadler is a big man who makes a big shoulder turn. Most golfers don’t–especially if they’re heavyset. A good shoulder turn stores power and positions the club for the downswing. Stads turns his shoulders at least 90 degrees on every full swing, irons and woods.
He’s very strong. He can rip it out of the rough, and he can really rev up a 3-wood when he needs to reach a long par 5 in two.
To make a full shoulder turn you need to shift your weight into your right side on the backswing. Never let your weight move left. I let my left heel come up some to achieve a good shoulder turn. The heel replants when I start down.
I start my swing with a soft right side and make sure to finish the backswing. I want my shoulders behind the ball at the top. My arms will follow. I try to turn my left shoulder to where my right shoulder was at address.
Think about making a full shoulder turn like Craig Stadler’s to free up a more powerful downswing.
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