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TO SWING OR NOT TO SWING - THAT IS THE QUESTION?
And, once you decide to swing; how to swing.
All you lefties out there; its golf time, swing time; and what do you know best. Exactly how NOT TO SWING a golf club properly; yeah, that is the jest of it. Ok well that was myself, about 5 months ago, when i decided to go to the local golf driving range and wack a few.
So for my $9 bucket of balls, with lots of golf thrills; I could just wack the balls as I liked; no matter that none went straight, but boys oh boys, some flew far, give or take on a few, and about 250 feet for keepers. I doubt much i looked anything like a pro golfer, and probably not quite close to a weekend golfer, as my golf swing was definitely in the Yikes!!!! category. But, it was FUN!
Now, its October, about five months since my first golf range day; and since then I have learned a few things about the golf swing(all good), and about being a leftie golf swinger(mostly interesting). I studied golf videos(lefties of course), read a lot about the golf swing from many of the golf websites. Then I practiced and still practice to get better at my own swing. Interestingly, us Lefties are unique in that there isn't that many of us compared to right handed golfers. And the pro tour only has a handful of them. Notably Michelson, Watson, and Scheffler.
Par for each hole is based on the total distance of the fairway; so a hole with a small distance would have a small par like 3, whereas a longer fairway distanced hole, might have a 4 or even a 5 par rating.
Pro golfers have perfected the golf swing; in a split second they start and end their swing sequence, or so it seems while watching them on TV. However, much thought, practice, and precision goes into mastering the golf swing; no matter if your a left handed or right handed player. Here at Golf With Lefties, we will explain the intricacies of the modern day golf swing as it pertains to the tee-off club, the driver. We chose this club as it is the club most used at tee-off time; and all other clubs you carry around the golf course will basically follow the same process, with just a few tweaks.
For those of us whose height is between 5ft 6" to 6ft 1", store bought clubs should do fine. If however, you are shorter or taller than the those heights, you might benefit from a tailored club.
The golf swing has several components; the stance of swing(golf club grip and body stance), start of swing(takeaway), backswing(upswing), top of swing, downswing, impact, follow through.
Each component of the swing is as important as the next. And each has its own story. Once you know the stories, you'll know the golf swing, sort to speak.
The golf swing speed is not consistent; meaning the speed at the 'takeaway' is not the same speed used at the 'downswing'. However, each lag of the swing and speed used are important. Pro golfers swing their best at the downswing. They don't swing as fast on the upswing; because it's just not necessary.
There is no momentum on the upswing, but the downswing is where momemtum plays a pivotal role.
And, also us amateurs don't coil our shoulders properly. And, lastly, us amateurs don't rotate our hips properly, in fact, many of us slide our hips instead of rotating them, which, according to Jack Nickalaus, can send the ball right, left or any direction other than where we want it to go which is straight down the fairway. Things to consider for us amateurs! Lol OK, so lots to learn and practice.
Next we'll mention in detail the various components of the golf swing.
The TAKEAWAY to TOP OF SWING
As you begin your golf swing, aka the 'Takeaway:, your lower body is still, with a slight flex in your knees, and your upper torso is hinged about 10 degrees at the waist going forward. Your feet are distanced at shoulder width, and the golf ball is sitting just in front of your right foot, probably a couple of feet. Your eyes are on the ball, and stay on the ball, until you have hit the ball. This is a tee shot, at hole #1 on the golf course, so your ball is on a tee (little white stick), and you are using a driver to make your shot.
As you swing back with your club, you are now in the 'upswing', and at about waist high in your upswing you will straighten your right arm and hinge your wrists up. From here, you go into the 'top of swing', where you left elbow is at 90 degrees, and your club is angled back, not straight, not swaying behind your head, but angled beside it moreso.
WEIGHT SHIFT
As you start your swing; your body is balanced; achieved by the shoulder width stance of your feet. As you swing your club up and to the top of swing; your body now shifts slightly to compensate for the weight shifting to the left however, you are still overall balanced by your stance. During the swing from 'takeaway' to 'top of swing', your feet and lower body remain in the same position. Your right knee will bend slighly inward to compensate for the turning of your shoulders.
TOP OF SWING
At your top of swing, you will want to accomplish three things quickly; shift your body weight moreso to your front lead foot; NOT with a drastic move, but subtly, just so you know you have some weight bearing on your right foot/leg/ knee. Doing this now will enable you to use your lower body more effectively at the impact of your swing, and that is going to give your shot more distance, because your using not just your arms for power but your lower body as well.
Try not to slide your hips to do this but rather a slight bearing of weight onto your right lead leg; so positioning now will make it easier to use your lower body and legs later on in your swing sequence. You must do this step at the top of swing; as soon as you reach top of swing shift the weight; if you wait till your in downswing sequence to do this; you will loose power in your swing; cuz you are then interrupting the fluid nature of the downswing process.
Also, at top of swing you turn your left hip to the front of your body; so once turned; your hips are squared to the front of your body; however, your shoulders are still somewhat coiled. Thirdly, position your elbow, so it tucks into your side in a straight line pointing down from your armpit.
At top of swing you position yourself, getting ready for the club to swing straight down almost to your waist, and then quickly around your body. Your left elbow stays tucked right up to the point that you straighten out both arms just before impact. Keeping the elbow tucked will help keep your target line; the club will travel closer to your body. This is good.
MOVE THOSE HIPS
From the top of swing, when you tucked your left elbow, your club will have come to position about midway between your shoulder and waist, but it is still off to the left body side, and your shoulders are still coiled.
And, once you've shifted your weight, turned your left hip, and tucked your left elbow; your now in position for the final swing of the club around the hips to impact(hitting the ball). You have to practice this slowly at first until you get the sequencing perfect. The hips must turn first, start to pivot them quickly, so both hips turn toward the ball target at the same time. When doing this the momentum will carry your coiled shoulders and the club around. The club picks up speed as your shoulders uncoil and the legs hips also contribute to add power to your shot.
When you actually hit the ball your hips are at an angle pointing out; then once you hit the ball your entire body keeps moving around till the club rests up around your right side of head; and your back foot is resting on its' toe.
When wrapping the club around your body for the impact, try to keep your legs, knees, feet, from shifting at all. Your lower body at this point should be mostly still; with only your hips, shoulders, and arms moving toward the ball and target. Its easy to forget this important step, and you may want to raise your self down (flex knees moreso downward), as your come into the impact. That is a natural temptation; but practice so you don't. Just as you started your swing, your hinged at the waist about 10 or so degrees going forward, and you have a slight flex in your knees.
Keep this stance the entirety of your swing sequence. When you come into the 'golf impact' of swing(hitting the ball), your legs can slightly become straighter as you whack the ball, but you should not be excessively bending or raising your body upward. And, at 'follow thru', you raise your left foot up on its toe. This is a natural result of the momentum of your swing speed at impact; with your club wrapping around your head as well.
LEAD ARM STRAIGHT - THE RIGHT ARM FOR LEFTY GOLFERS
For Leftie golfer, the lead arm would be their right arm, and for a Right handed golfer, that would be their left arm.
Leftie Golfer-Backswing
As you swing the club back(upswing), the leading right arm is straight by waist height with a hinge in your wrists as well; bends slightly at top of swing then straight again on the downswing. The reason for straight arm is to achieve a wide stance at top of the swing. Doing so allows the swing to gain momentum quickly on the downswing, which is what creates an effective impact(speed) which affects the ball's distance and accuracy. If we instead bend our right arm we loose this speed advantage.
HINGE WRISTS - LEAD ARM STRAIGHT
On the upswing, when your golf club is parallel with the ground(at about waist height) hinge your wrists upward as you straighten out your lead arm. Keep your wrists hinged up until just before hitting the ball. As you go into your 'top of swing', try keeping the wrists hinge as much as you can; then, when coming out of top of swing, hinge again, and keep your lead arm straight.(your right arm). At top of swing your right arm hand should be at least to shoulder height, with wrists still hinging. You should also have your chin just above your shoulder at this point in your swing.
LEFT ELBOW
At top of swing, keep your left elbow at 90 degrees- L shaped. And, as your start the downswing, keep the elbow close to your body(tucked) with elbow pointing to ground, like a straight line down from your armpit; and stays like that and stays tucked at that position as you rotate your hips and then your shoulders around. So as you move your hips around toward impact, the elbow moves around with the waist in that tucked position. Just before hitting the ball, when you extend both arms straight, the tucked elbow will extend somewhat from the tucked position. Keep the elbow tucked keeps your club on the proper target line.
ROTATE HIPS
Keep in mind, all these particulars of the swing happen in a short amount of time, like split seconds. We explain it in detail so you get a better sense of the importance at each stage of the swing.
When you start your golf swing, your feet and lower torso don't really move. Just your shoulders rotate or coil as its known; to a position where your backside faces the target. Once your backside is facing your target you are in a good coiled position. Turn rotate your left hip outward at the start of downswing but not shoulders. Shoulders at this point are still coiled, and the golf club is midway between your left shoulder and left waist; and with wrists hinged and club should be straightening out again.
Don’t slide hips, JUST TURN THEM, this can make a difference In your ball's distance and accuracy. The shoulders will follow around once you start rotating your hips; and the club as well. Shoulders now follow hips as you rotate, HOWEVER,
Your shoulders are still somewhat coiled when hip have turned to face forward stance; shoulders are still coiled somewhat, you know this because your Left shoulder is not yet facing square to the front like your hips are at this point This is good
DOWNSWING
The 'golf downswing' is where you pick up speed in your swing and carry it thru to the impact of your swing.
Keep left elbow at 90 degrees at top of swing(L shape) and keep it close to your body, see section Elbow. At downswing; your lead arm once again straightens and stays close to your body since your left elbow's position is tucked and pointing straight down from your left armpit.
Once your left hip is turned and squared to the front, your coiled shoulders follow. Because you are turning your left hip first not the shoulders, the club stays more to your left side as the left hip rotates around; then once the left hip has turned and is square to the front of your body; then the club, arms, and coiled shoulders follow as you at this point quickly turn both hips towards the target. MOVE THOSE HIPS! This is good.
IMPACT - Hitting the Ball
When you hit the ball with the club, your head and body should be slightly behind the ball. When you hit the ball both arms should be straight and wrists unhinging. Your left shoulder is still angled somewhat; and after hitting the ball it comes up and around then your body is facing the target completely.
Keep your eyes on the ball; even when hitting the ball. You should follow the line of the ball flight. Taking your eyes off the ball can make you mishit the ball or compromise its accuracy. There is lots of time to see it in flight once its up in the air.
Most Important: Keep lead arm straight on the downswing and wrists still hinged to just before impact of hitting the ball Both arms straighten out at waist in downswing or just once your club starts to make the turn around the body Keep head looking at ball in downward fashion at all times right to the impact and then you can look up once you whack the ball into flight.
THE FOLLOW THROUGH
When you hit the ball you are swinging very fast; the momentum carries your body around and the golf club follows and ends up swinging around the right side of your head(for lefty golfers); and your lag foot(left foot) will go on its toe.
Look at the photos and watch some videos we posted so you get a sense of the swing sequence. Swing slow at first till you know each step; then you can make it more fluid once you've learned the basics. Some good videos of pros you can watch; do searches for 'leftie pro golfers', or specfic golfers, like Michelson, or Scheffler.
And Remember!
EYES ON BALL, STRAIGHT ARM, HINGED WRISTS, 90 degree Elbow, TUCKED ELBOW, SHIFT WEIGHT, ROTATE LEFT HIP, ARM STRAIGHT, TURN HIPS(move those hips), TUCKED ELBOW, TARGET LINE(close of your body), ARMS OUT STRAIGHT, EYES ON BALL, WHACK BALL, FOOT ON TOE, WRAP CLUB
Practice Tips
Practice several times a week if you can; practice each segment slowly at first. Put emphasis on learning each segment of the swing at first, rather than making the swing fluid. Once you know all the segments; swing away will be that much easier to do.
Hit the ball at least 20-30 times per outing. Use practice balls they are cheaper than play balls, and you can whack them in any field or ball park.
Recommended: Practice the start of swing, upswing, top of swing(including left hip turn, weight shift, elbow tuck) as one sequence. then STOP(pause), then holding that position from top of swing; continue with your downswing with the quick turning of the hips(as shown in this next video).
And remember, hips turn first, then the coiled shoulders follow with the club. This is important. Your natural tendency will be to turn the hips and shoulders at the same time; but we don't do that, the hips must turn quickly first towards your target(the ball), then the club and coiled shoulders follow.
If you practice as I have recommended, this step will be easier to learn, and it will make sense as you do it. Once you practice, and have that sequence learned, you can then omit the STOP pause in your swing sequence, and make it fluid. Because the hips turn first and quickly, there is a 'lag' in the swing sequence between hips turning and coiled shoulders and club coming around. It's in this 'lag' moment that you can speed up your swing. It's easier to practice than explain I think.
In golf lingo, when a golfer brings their shoulders around too quickly, or at same time as their hips turn, or before the hips turn; this is known as 'getting quick at the top'. So practice so you don't do this, hips turn(rotate first), then club and coiled shoulders follow around to impact.
Practice the quick turning of both hips at once(pivoting), and the impact(hitting the ball), and follow through.
Hips Turn Quickly
Coiled Shoulders and Club follow
Keep Swinging Lefties!
Watch all our videos for more tips and golf instruction.
As you have read, there is much to know about the golf swing; however, with practice and time you certainly can master the golf swing sequence. Practice with emphasis on proper body stance, coiled shoulders, a straight lead arm, keeping elbow tucked, and, a quick turn of the hips at downswing. And, never take your eyes off the ball, until after you hit the ball.
Watch videos of pro golf players often, especially with slow motion, as these are great for getting the nitty gritty details of the swing sequence.
Have Fun and Enjoy Golf!
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As mentioned, watching video is a good way to learn and improve your own swing. I watched videos from PGA pro golfers such as Scottie Scheffler, Phil Michelson, and Rory Mcllroy; to learn how to swing a golf club. Scheffler and Michelson are left handed golfers, so for us lefties those two players are a good choice for watching videos.
You can also search for 'slow motion' golf swing and then add whatever golfer's name you want to watch - example 'pro golfer Scottie Scheffler golf swing slow motion'. I have watched Scottie Schefflers' video endlessly while learning the golf swing.
By reading our Golf With Lefties page, and watching our videos, you can get a good sense of the golf swing sequence and particulars involved.
And, since they don't fly more than 30 to 40 yards, you can use them in a small area, and without worrying your going to bonk someone on the head with a hard golf ball.
They are basically the same size and look as your play balls; however, these are plastic and nothing but air in them. Play balls as you probably know, are made of elastic like compounds wound together to create distance, spin, and loftiness. Practice balls can be completely closed as in this photo, or can have air holes in them. Each serve a purpose.
As useful as they are, they do have some cons, most notably their resistance to a hard whack like a 'driver'. The day I used my big clout driver at practice, without a tee mind you; i dented or ruined 4 of my practice balls. Otherwise, with my lofted drivers, I can hit the plastic balls for quite a few practices before they dent or crumble.
I have bought 2 packs of them thus far, at $3 per 12 balls. So definitely a good choice for non course practicing. And, notably, they fly almost the same trajectory as a play ball, which I thought was interesting. What I mean is if I use a loftier club i get a high ball shot, and if I use a straight edge club i get a more straight shot with a play golf ball. The practice balls followed the same principle. Ah, maybe its' just the Amateur thing, right? LOL
Keep Swinging - All You Lefties
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GOLF WITH LEFTIES: 2024 - 2025
TO SWING OR NOT TO SWING - THAT IS THE QUESTION?
And, once you decide to swing; how to swing.
All you lefties out there; its golf time, swing time; and what do you know best. Exactly how NOT TO SWING a golf club properly; yeah, that is the jest of it. Ok well that was myself, about 5 months ago, when i decided to go to the local golf driving range and wack a few.
So for my $9 bucket of balls, with lots of golf thrills; I could just wack the balls as I liked; no matter that none went straight, but boys oh boys, some flew far, give or take on a few, and about 250 feet for keepers. I doubt much i looked anything like a pro golfer, and probably not quite close to a weekend golfer, as my golf swing was definitely in the Yikes!!!! category. But, it was FUN!
Now, its October, about five months since my first golf range day; and since then I have learned a few things about the golf swing(all good), and about being a leftie golf swinger(mostly interesting). I studied golf videos(lefties of course), read a lot about the golf swing from many of the golf websites. Then I practiced and still practice to get better at my own swing. Interestingly, us Lefties are unique in that there isn't that many of us compared to right handed golfers. And the pro tour only has a handful of them. Notably Michelson, Watson, and Scheffler.
Pros Make It Look So Darn Easy
Pros can hit the ball quite a distance, on average 230 to 260 yards range at tee shot with a driver club. Women golfers tend to have a shorter hitting distance than men, about 150 to 200 or so yards using their driver.Par for each hole is based on the total distance of the fairway; so a hole with a small distance would have a small par like 3, whereas a longer fairway distanced hole, might have a 4 or even a 5 par rating.
Pro golfers have perfected the golf swing; in a split second they start and end their swing sequence, or so it seems while watching them on TV. However, much thought, practice, and precision goes into mastering the golf swing; no matter if your a left handed or right handed player. Here at Golf With Lefties, we will explain the intricacies of the modern day golf swing as it pertains to the tee-off club, the driver. We chose this club as it is the club most used at tee-off time; and all other clubs you carry around the golf course will basically follow the same process, with just a few tweaks.
Club - Driver
The 'driver' is most likely your tallest club, and with the biggest, clout. The tee-off is also the only time you use a 'tee' on the golf course. The tee is the little white stick that you put your golf ball on before you hit it down the fairway. Drivers come in a variety of styles, shapes, and weights. A driver is typically in a set of golf clubs, along with irons, wedges, and a putter. However, like all clubs you can purchase a set or buy them individually. Brand names usually cost big bucks for golf clubs, however, you can usually shop around for deals at sports stores and for used clubs online. Sports store usually offer best deals at near the end of season or before they get their new stock for the season.For those of us whose height is between 5ft 6" to 6ft 1", store bought clubs should do fine. If however, you are shorter or taller than the those heights, you might benefit from a tailored club.
THE GOLF SWING - LEFTIE GOLFERS
First, lets get the basics of the golf swing. All important; Stance, Grip, Lead Arm Position, Trail Arm Position, Feet position, Lower Torso position, Feet position, Upper body position, Wrists position, Elbow position, Shoulders position, Head position, Club position, Club speed, Feet position at Follow Through.MASTERING THE GOLF SWING
The golf swing has several components; the stance of swing(golf club grip and body stance), start of swing(takeaway), backswing(upswing), top of swing, downswing, impact, follow through.
Each component of the swing is as important as the next. And each has its own story. Once you know the stories, you'll know the golf swing, sort to speak.
The golf swing speed is not consistent; meaning the speed at the 'takeaway' is not the same speed used at the 'downswing'. However, each lag of the swing and speed used are important. Pro golfers swing their best at the downswing. They don't swing as fast on the upswing; because it's just not necessary.
There is no momentum on the upswing, but the downswing is where momemtum plays a pivotal role.
Amateur Golfers
It is said that many Amateur golfers(aka weekend golfers) swing their best swing before they have even hit the ball. Also said that Amateurs have a tendency to swing out from the body thus they must pull the club back to them before they hit the ball which robs their swing of speed and accuracy.And, also us amateurs don't coil our shoulders properly. And, lastly, us amateurs don't rotate our hips properly, in fact, many of us slide our hips instead of rotating them, which, according to Jack Nickalaus, can send the ball right, left or any direction other than where we want it to go which is straight down the fairway. Things to consider for us amateurs! Lol OK, so lots to learn and practice.
Next we'll mention in detail the various components of the golf swing.
The TAKEAWAY to TOP OF SWING
As you begin your golf swing, aka the 'Takeaway:, your lower body is still, with a slight flex in your knees, and your upper torso is hinged about 10 degrees at the waist going forward. Your feet are distanced at shoulder width, and the golf ball is sitting just in front of your right foot, probably a couple of feet. Your eyes are on the ball, and stay on the ball, until you have hit the ball. This is a tee shot, at hole #1 on the golf course, so your ball is on a tee (little white stick), and you are using a driver to make your shot.
As you swing back with your club, you are now in the 'upswing', and at about waist high in your upswing you will straighten your right arm and hinge your wrists up. From here, you go into the 'top of swing', where you left elbow is at 90 degrees, and your club is angled back, not straight, not swaying behind your head, but angled beside it moreso.
WEIGHT SHIFT
As you start your swing; your body is balanced; achieved by the shoulder width stance of your feet. As you swing your club up and to the top of swing; your body now shifts slightly to compensate for the weight shifting to the left however, you are still overall balanced by your stance. During the swing from 'takeaway' to 'top of swing', your feet and lower body remain in the same position. Your right knee will bend slighly inward to compensate for the turning of your shoulders.
TOP OF SWING
At your top of swing, you will want to accomplish three things quickly; shift your body weight moreso to your front lead foot; NOT with a drastic move, but subtly, just so you know you have some weight bearing on your right foot/leg/ knee. Doing this now will enable you to use your lower body more effectively at the impact of your swing, and that is going to give your shot more distance, because your using not just your arms for power but your lower body as well.
Try not to slide your hips to do this but rather a slight bearing of weight onto your right lead leg; so positioning now will make it easier to use your lower body and legs later on in your swing sequence. You must do this step at the top of swing; as soon as you reach top of swing shift the weight; if you wait till your in downswing sequence to do this; you will loose power in your swing; cuz you are then interrupting the fluid nature of the downswing process.
Also, at top of swing you turn your left hip to the front of your body; so once turned; your hips are squared to the front of your body; however, your shoulders are still somewhat coiled. Thirdly, position your elbow, so it tucks into your side in a straight line pointing down from your armpit.
At top of swing you position yourself, getting ready for the club to swing straight down almost to your waist, and then quickly around your body. Your left elbow stays tucked right up to the point that you straighten out both arms just before impact. Keeping the elbow tucked will help keep your target line; the club will travel closer to your body. This is good.
MOVE THOSE HIPS
From the top of swing, when you tucked your left elbow, your club will have come to position about midway between your shoulder and waist, but it is still off to the left body side, and your shoulders are still coiled.
And, once you've shifted your weight, turned your left hip, and tucked your left elbow; your now in position for the final swing of the club around the hips to impact(hitting the ball). You have to practice this slowly at first until you get the sequencing perfect. The hips must turn first, start to pivot them quickly, so both hips turn toward the ball target at the same time. When doing this the momentum will carry your coiled shoulders and the club around. The club picks up speed as your shoulders uncoil and the legs hips also contribute to add power to your shot.
When you actually hit the ball your hips are at an angle pointing out; then once you hit the ball your entire body keeps moving around till the club rests up around your right side of head; and your back foot is resting on its' toe.
When wrapping the club around your body for the impact, try to keep your legs, knees, feet, from shifting at all. Your lower body at this point should be mostly still; with only your hips, shoulders, and arms moving toward the ball and target. Its easy to forget this important step, and you may want to raise your self down (flex knees moreso downward), as your come into the impact. That is a natural temptation; but practice so you don't. Just as you started your swing, your hinged at the waist about 10 or so degrees going forward, and you have a slight flex in your knees.
Keep this stance the entirety of your swing sequence. When you come into the 'golf impact' of swing(hitting the ball), your legs can slightly become straighter as you whack the ball, but you should not be excessively bending or raising your body upward. And, at 'follow thru', you raise your left foot up on its toe. This is a natural result of the momentum of your swing speed at impact; with your club wrapping around your head as well.
LEAD ARM STRAIGHT - THE RIGHT ARM FOR LEFTY GOLFERS
For Leftie golfer, the lead arm would be their right arm, and for a Right handed golfer, that would be their left arm.
Leftie Golfer-Backswing
As you swing the club back(upswing), the leading right arm is straight by waist height with a hinge in your wrists as well; bends slightly at top of swing then straight again on the downswing. The reason for straight arm is to achieve a wide stance at top of the swing. Doing so allows the swing to gain momentum quickly on the downswing, which is what creates an effective impact(speed) which affects the ball's distance and accuracy. If we instead bend our right arm we loose this speed advantage.
HINGE WRISTS - LEAD ARM STRAIGHT
On the upswing, when your golf club is parallel with the ground(at about waist height) hinge your wrists upward as you straighten out your lead arm. Keep your wrists hinged up until just before hitting the ball. As you go into your 'top of swing', try keeping the wrists hinge as much as you can; then, when coming out of top of swing, hinge again, and keep your lead arm straight.(your right arm). At top of swing your right arm hand should be at least to shoulder height, with wrists still hinging. You should also have your chin just above your shoulder at this point in your swing.
LEFT ELBOW
At top of swing, keep your left elbow at 90 degrees- L shaped. And, as your start the downswing, keep the elbow close to your body(tucked) with elbow pointing to ground, like a straight line down from your armpit; and stays like that and stays tucked at that position as you rotate your hips and then your shoulders around. So as you move your hips around toward impact, the elbow moves around with the waist in that tucked position. Just before hitting the ball, when you extend both arms straight, the tucked elbow will extend somewhat from the tucked position. Keep the elbow tucked keeps your club on the proper target line.
ROTATE HIPS
Keep in mind, all these particulars of the swing happen in a short amount of time, like split seconds. We explain it in detail so you get a better sense of the importance at each stage of the swing.
When you start your golf swing, your feet and lower torso don't really move. Just your shoulders rotate or coil as its known; to a position where your backside faces the target. Once your backside is facing your target you are in a good coiled position. Turn rotate your left hip outward at the start of downswing but not shoulders. Shoulders at this point are still coiled, and the golf club is midway between your left shoulder and left waist; and with wrists hinged and club should be straightening out again.
Don’t slide hips, JUST TURN THEM, this can make a difference In your ball's distance and accuracy. The shoulders will follow around once you start rotating your hips; and the club as well. Shoulders now follow hips as you rotate, HOWEVER,
Your shoulders are still somewhat coiled when hip have turned to face forward stance; shoulders are still coiled somewhat, you know this because your Left shoulder is not yet facing square to the front like your hips are at this point This is good
DOWNSWING
The 'golf downswing' is where you pick up speed in your swing and carry it thru to the impact of your swing.
Keep left elbow at 90 degrees at top of swing(L shape) and keep it close to your body, see section Elbow. At downswing; your lead arm once again straightens and stays close to your body since your left elbow's position is tucked and pointing straight down from your left armpit.
Once your left hip is turned and squared to the front, your coiled shoulders follow. Because you are turning your left hip first not the shoulders, the club stays more to your left side as the left hip rotates around; then once the left hip has turned and is square to the front of your body; then the club, arms, and coiled shoulders follow as you at this point quickly turn both hips towards the target. MOVE THOSE HIPS! This is good.
IMPACT - Hitting the Ball
When you hit the ball with the club, your head and body should be slightly behind the ball. When you hit the ball both arms should be straight and wrists unhinging. Your left shoulder is still angled somewhat; and after hitting the ball it comes up and around then your body is facing the target completely.
Keep your eyes on the ball; even when hitting the ball. You should follow the line of the ball flight. Taking your eyes off the ball can make you mishit the ball or compromise its accuracy. There is lots of time to see it in flight once its up in the air.
Most Important: Keep lead arm straight on the downswing and wrists still hinged to just before impact of hitting the ball Both arms straighten out at waist in downswing or just once your club starts to make the turn around the body Keep head looking at ball in downward fashion at all times right to the impact and then you can look up once you whack the ball into flight.
THE FOLLOW THROUGH
When you hit the ball you are swinging very fast; the momentum carries your body around and the golf club follows and ends up swinging around the right side of your head(for lefty golfers); and your lag foot(left foot) will go on its toe.
Look at the photos and watch some videos we posted so you get a sense of the swing sequence. Swing slow at first till you know each step; then you can make it more fluid once you've learned the basics. Some good videos of pros you can watch; do searches for 'leftie pro golfers', or specfic golfers, like Michelson, or Scheffler.
And Remember!
EYES ON BALL, STRAIGHT ARM, HINGED WRISTS, 90 degree Elbow, TUCKED ELBOW, SHIFT WEIGHT, ROTATE LEFT HIP, ARM STRAIGHT, TURN HIPS(move those hips), TUCKED ELBOW, TARGET LINE(close of your body), ARMS OUT STRAIGHT, EYES ON BALL, WHACK BALL, FOOT ON TOE, WRAP CLUB
Practice Tips
Practice several times a week if you can; practice each segment slowly at first. Put emphasis on learning each segment of the swing at first, rather than making the swing fluid. Once you know all the segments; swing away will be that much easier to do.
Hit the ball at least 20-30 times per outing. Use practice balls they are cheaper than play balls, and you can whack them in any field or ball park.
Recommended: Practice the start of swing, upswing, top of swing(including left hip turn, weight shift, elbow tuck) as one sequence. then STOP(pause), then holding that position from top of swing; continue with your downswing with the quick turning of the hips(as shown in this next video).
And remember, hips turn first, then the coiled shoulders follow with the club. This is important. Your natural tendency will be to turn the hips and shoulders at the same time; but we don't do that, the hips must turn quickly first towards your target(the ball), then the club and coiled shoulders follow.
If you practice as I have recommended, this step will be easier to learn, and it will make sense as you do it. Once you practice, and have that sequence learned, you can then omit the STOP pause in your swing sequence, and make it fluid. Because the hips turn first and quickly, there is a 'lag' in the swing sequence between hips turning and coiled shoulders and club coming around. It's in this 'lag' moment that you can speed up your swing. It's easier to practice than explain I think.
In golf lingo, when a golfer brings their shoulders around too quickly, or at same time as their hips turn, or before the hips turn; this is known as 'getting quick at the top'. So practice so you don't do this, hips turn(rotate first), then club and coiled shoulders follow around to impact.
Practice the quick turning of both hips at once(pivoting), and the impact(hitting the ball), and follow through.
Hips Turn Quickly
Coiled Shoulders and Club follow
Keep Swinging Lefties!
Watch all our videos for more tips and golf instruction.
In Summary...
As you have read, there is much to know about the golf swing; however, with practice and time you certainly can master the golf swing sequence. Practice with emphasis on proper body stance, coiled shoulders, a straight lead arm, keeping elbow tucked, and, a quick turn of the hips at downswing. And, never take your eyes off the ball, until after you hit the ball.
Watch videos of pro golf players often, especially with slow motion, as these are great for getting the nitty gritty details of the swing sequence.
Have Fun and Enjoy Golf!
GOLF VIDEOS FOR LEFTIES
Looking at these next videos we made, you can learn about: 'golf stance and club grip', 'proper swing sequence for lefty golfers'; 'body positioning for the swing sequence', 'tucking the elbow', and 'top of swing'.
Grip, Stance with Golf Club
The grip and body stance at start of swing is important. If your not holding the club properly, this could affect the ball's distance and accuracy. Take the time to learn the accurate grip for lefties. This short video shows you the basic body stance and holding the golf club correctly.
Proper Swing Sequence
Proper swing sequence is imperative if you want to have a consistent golf swing with distance in your shots. Swinging the club on a 'close to the body target line' creates a better result at impact. To achieve this you must keep your lead arm straight once it gets to your waist in the upswing. It might bend slightly at top of your swing, however, on the downswing, you must straighten it and keep your wrists hinged also, right until the point of impact. Keeping the lead arm straight provides you with a wider swing which when sequenced with the quick turn of your hips makes for a consistent and accurate shot.
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Positioning Body at Swing Sequence
Positioning your body properly is essential to accomplish a hit with both distance and accuracy.
This video shows proper body position at start of swing, and into the upswing and top of swing. The hips and lower body
stay mostly still with the exception of your knees which flex slightly at start of swing and into the upswing.
The hips
however, should stay still with little movement from your start of swing, into the upswing, and to top of swing, although
your left hip will turn slightly back as you coil your shoulders. Without moving your legs or hips, you must coil your shoulders
so that at top of your swing, your backside is facing your target. This means you have coiled properly.
At top of your swing your shoulders should be fully coiled and ready for
the downswing, and your lag elbow should be at 90 degrees at top of your swing. Your lead arm is mostly straight, and
you have hinged your wrists upward; keep these positions for your lead arm and wrists into your downswing right until just
before impact.
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Tucking Elbow From Top of Swing
Tucking your elbow is necessary so you can keep the club close to your body when you swing
down from top of swing into your impact. At top of swing your elbow sits at 90 degree angle; from there it tucks just
under your armpit in a straight fashion like line from your armpit to your waist.
As you complete the upswing to
top of swing, you will want to position yourself quickly to 1) bring your left hip around so it get squared to your
front, 2)shift weight so there is weight bearing on your lead foot, your right foot for leftie golfers, and 3)bring your
elbow straight down so it tucks just under your armpit. Positioning your body for all of these happens
at the same time, and once positioned you are ready for the downswing into your impact.
Also, your shoulders remain
mostly coiled at this point, so although you bring your left hip to square to the front, you DO NOT bring your
shoulders around at this point, they stay coiled. You know they are still coiled because your left shoulder is
still angled behind you while your right shoulder is angled outward towards your ball position on the ground. Your club
is positioned also off your left side midway between your armpit and waist. Because you have not uncoiled your shoulders, the
club goes straight down (not outward) at the same time you reposition your elbow from the top of swing position. Because you have your elbow
tucked properly, the club stays close to your body and on the target line, which provides for a shot with accuracy and distance.
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Top Of Swing
At top of swing, you reposition yourself for the downswing. As mentioned, in previous video, you must do 3 things quickly as
soon as you get to the top of your swing: 1)bring left hip around squared to the front, 2)shift some body weight onto your front lead foot, 3)bring
your elbow and tuck in into your side directly down from your armpit; as you do this the club will come down slighly by still stays off to your
side midway between your shoulder and waist.
Now your ready for the final lag of your swing, into the IMPACT, which is hitting the ball.
At this point also make sure your feet are still don't move them, your knees are still slightly flexed. Next, your will quickly move both
hips towards the ball target, however your shoulders and club arm don't move yet, just a quick turning of the hips first, then the shoulders, club
follows around to impact. At impact both arms should be straight, you should have unhinged your wrists just before impact. And, so important, keep
your eyes on the ball, until after you have hit the ball.
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SWING SLOWER ON THE UPSWING
Just to know, Pro golfers swing slower on their upswing, and much more effort is put into their downswing. Because they are swinging so fast on the downswing, it's not easy to see every little detail in their swing sequence; however, with video you can get a better sense of their swing movement.As mentioned, watching video is a good way to learn and improve your own swing. I watched videos from PGA pro golfers such as Scottie Scheffler, Phil Michelson, and Rory Mcllroy; to learn how to swing a golf club. Scheffler and Michelson are left handed golfers, so for us lefties those two players are a good choice for watching videos.
You can also search for 'slow motion' golf swing and then add whatever golfer's name you want to watch - example 'pro golfer Scottie Scheffler golf swing slow motion'. I have watched Scottie Schefflers' video endlessly while learning the golf swing.
By reading our Golf With Lefties page, and watching our videos, you can get a good sense of the golf swing sequence and particulars involved.
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Practice Balls
Practice balls are a great alternative to using your play balls. As play golf balls are expensive, their best use is on the golf course, and practice balls are a cheap way to practice your game without heading to the golf course, or driving range.And, since they don't fly more than 30 to 40 yards, you can use them in a small area, and without worrying your going to bonk someone on the head with a hard golf ball.
They are basically the same size and look as your play balls; however, these are plastic and nothing but air in them. Play balls as you probably know, are made of elastic like compounds wound together to create distance, spin, and loftiness. Practice balls can be completely closed as in this photo, or can have air holes in them. Each serve a purpose.
As useful as they are, they do have some cons, most notably their resistance to a hard whack like a 'driver'. The day I used my big clout driver at practice, without a tee mind you; i dented or ruined 4 of my practice balls. Otherwise, with my lofted drivers, I can hit the plastic balls for quite a few practices before they dent or crumble.
I have bought 2 packs of them thus far, at $3 per 12 balls. So definitely a good choice for non course practicing. And, notably, they fly almost the same trajectory as a play ball, which I thought was interesting. What I mean is if I use a loftier club i get a high ball shot, and if I use a straight edge club i get a more straight shot with a play golf ball. The practice balls followed the same principle. Ah, maybe its' just the Amateur thing, right? LOL
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