The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Working on the backswing was a challenge during this lesson. Aside from the fact that I still need to work on keeping my head still, I discovered I have some homework to do. Here's Curt's tips for the backswing: The golfer's front arm should be relatively straight with the back arm a little relaxed to promote a takeaway slightly inside of your target line. You should create a triangle with your two arms and shoulders. To achieve a one piece takeaway, simply take your triangle back approximately 18-24 inches. The only thing that should be moving to this point is the triangle you created. Once you get the club back 18-24 inches, you can begin to hinge your wrists to create leverage for power. When your hands get just above waist high, your golf club and front forearm should be at a 90 degree angle and you have basically finished moving your hands and wrists. To complete the backswing, all you have to do is make a full shoulder turn until your front shoulder is pointing to a spot slightly behind your ball. At the top of your backswing, the golf club should be roughly parallel or slightly short of parallel to the ground for a full swing. You are now in position to start your downswing. Ideally, the backswing is a combination of a nice full shoulder turn over and a slight hip turn. This will create a very powerful coiling effect with the result being added yardage to your shot. The part I'm having difficulty with is keeping my front arm relatively straight. However, with help from Curt Ð I just practised without hitting the ball Ð going over the motion a few times. Then I tried with the ball and I was hitting fairly well, but slicing it left because I wasn't shifting my weight properly. He just reminded me to shift my weight from the back leg to the front. Just think of being a teeter totter. What I found interesting is that in thinking about all the things I need to do for a good swing, I was relaxed hitting the ball. The other thing I have to do is imagine Curt placing a club against the side of my head. It gives me a handicapped feeling, but it works in keeping my head still. Now I just have to go out and practise.
