In my own words, without being too analytical, the golf swing should be easy if we allow our body to respond naturally and to repeat Basic Principles allowing the big muscles to take control of the fluidity of the swing.

 

For me, posture is the most important. It should feel solid, grounded and athletic in order to maintain a perfect Balance throughout the swing.  Perfect balance equals good shots!  It is the result of a good posture and weight distribution.  A good posture should create an angle from the waist that will allow the arms to hang naturally - away from the body.  This is the natural position of the arms and hands where we should hold the club.  I believe in the power of the extension of the arms in your set up, at impact, and through the target line for direction.  I teach a “One Piece Take Away.”  The club, and the triangle created with the arms are moved by the shoulders in one motion.  It takes full advantage of the extension of the arms.  It promotes width of arc of the swing and the explosion of power that comes when your arms are fully extended at impact.

 

“Extension with no tension!”  Some of you may understand these words!

 

The grip is crucial, too.  It controls the correct hinge of the wrists and, most important, it controls the club face position at impact.  It should be loose without losing control of the club throughout the swing.

 

The lower body starts the downswing!

 

Once we get to the top of the backswing, there’s a crucial moment called “transition.” The transition  is a smooth lateral move of the lower body towards the target.  It changes the direction of the club, from the backswing into the downswing.  This first move to the left side of the lower body, towards the target, is the key to keep the club on plane and in the correct swing path.

 

In many cases people rush this crucial moment.  They bring the club down, rushing it with the hands, before allowing their lower body to shift their weight properly onto the left side or towards the target.

 

My theory is very simple:   Starting with a good set up, the upper body initiates your backswing, and your lower body initiates your downswing to a full and balanced finish.

 

Last, but not least, is the importance of timing.  I believe that timing is the key to repeat, in a synchronized way, your own motion.  You don’t have to have the perfect motion, but timing will make any swing as effective and efficient as possible.