Lessons/Professionals: How about emphasis on the waist down?

[titaniummd]

There is so much emphasis on clubs and things that are above the waist. These are obviously important: grip, the slot, swing plane, head position, equipment, etc.

 

However, a golf instructor pointed out to me that my swing is 'excellent' but my lower body is another story. He says without a good base the work of the upper body means nothing. "Start with the ground up". With the proper rotation, I could generate so much more swing speed and consistency.

 

It worked well today (from wedges to FW5). It took less effort and I had improved the consistency (for the most part - if I had one negative thought during the swing, the ball flight suffered an ugly flight). I am still trying to experiment with the driver.

 

I searched the internet and it covered a lot of what he suggested.

 

http://www.oppegardgk.no/dokarkiv/fancyfootwork.pdf

 

Why is there not as much emphasis from instructors on 'focusing' on developing a good base? Maybe, it just finally took someone with a great skill of observation to notice.

 

I think what I had been doing was trying to imitate the likes of Jack Nicklaus and Byron Nelson's 'sway' all of this time. I will tell you this: When I had my back spasms, I had the best and most consistent swing in a long time (I wasn't flexing at the waist or trying to overswing or sway).

[Bay1524]

This is a quote from that link. Interested to hear what others on the board think about this.

 

"The hips shouldn’t begin turning until the club is waist

high in the downswing."

[csw006]

This is a quote from that link. Interested to hear what others on the board think about this.

 

"The hips shouldn't begin turning until the club is waist

high in the downswing."

 

I would have to disagree...then your bringing a lot more timing into play...much more than necessary. Why not just start rotating the hip with the core together from the top of the backswing....makes it quite easier IMOP

[Bay1524]

That's what I was thinking too. Sounded unusual. I'm surprised he didn't go into that subject more since it seems to contradict the majority of teachers.

 

I've been working on starting my downswing with my hips and letting the arms fall into position. I am trying to break years of having an arms only swing. I'm still waiting for that moment when it all clicks. Still sometimes cast and start with the hands = no good.

[Shaitan]

That dropping it into the slot and then turning - pretty close to wat Tiger does, and so does David Toms, and a lot of other pros out there. Its consistent with a 2-plane swing (NB: there are a lot of similarities in a good 2P swing and a 1P swing and vice versa - a good release with a 2P swing is still released left). What you refer to is rotary, and keeps you on plane easier - as you turn the whole time during the swing, using your core for power instead of your arms - slice often refers to it as consistent power.

 

To the OP: It all depends on what you're trying to achieve as to the positions ATT as well as at the waist. Two plane is the drop into the pocket idea and then turn, power through from there - very much a timing swing.

 

Araj: as long as you don't start with a bump towards the ball with your right hip and don't get your hips too far ahead of your body, sounds good :black eye: