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"Everyone has his own choking level, a level at which he fails to play his normal golf. As you get more experienced, your choking level rises." |
-Johnny Miller |
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Build your swing like you’re building a home. Start with a good foundation and a good grip. I spent 32 years on the LPGA Tour and saw a lot of players come and go. The professionals who lasted the longest had solid fundamentals, a strong work ethic and a positive attitude. Here are five fundamentals you should incorporate into your swing and practice sessions: GRIP Learn to place your hands correctly on the golf club, and once you find a grip that works best for you, stick with it. Most golfers slice because the left hand (for right-handed golfers) is too weak. To correct the problem, make sure the club is in your fingers and not the palm. Turn your left hand so you can see two knuckles as you look straight down at your hand. The “V” formed between your thumb and index finger of your left hand should point toward your right shoulder. This strengthens your grip and enables you to square the clubface at impact. Place your right hand on the club so that the “V” formed points somewhere between your chin and your right shoulder. The handle or grip should be held more in the fingers and not in the palm of the right hand. ADDRESS Correct posture, ball position and alignment help create a well-balanced, athletic position before you swing. To check your alignment after you have taken your stance, hold the club across the front of your thighs and see where the club is aimed. A railroad track is a good visual. The clubhead is one track pointing toward your target, and your feet, knees, thighs, hips and shoulders are facing the other track. Placement of the ball for your irons is basically in the middle of your stance. The driver is played more forward and in-side your left heel. Keep wedges in the middle of your stance. TAKEAWAY Let your hands, arms, and shoulders take the club back in a one-piece move. Keep it smooth to allow time for all parts to work together. STEADY HEAD Your head should remain steady. One of the worst mistakes you can make is to raise up on the backswing or drop down on the takeaway. Glance at the ball as you make your backswing, and don’t “keep your head down” on the follow-through. Let your head release after you hit the ball. ACCELERATION Swing smoothly to the top of the backswing and then let it go. Don’t be afraid to hit it. It’s got to come down somewhere. Once you have a good setup and a smooth takeaway, trust it and hit it hard. SG Sandra Palmer is director of women’s golf at Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club in Mission Viejo. She won 30 professional tournaments worldwide during her playing career, including three major championships. She can be reached at (949) 305-5100. |
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