Harper Lin
Me and My Golf is a golf coaching platform founded by golfers Piers Ward, Andy Proudman, and Neil Dawson. The platform offers simple step-by-step plans and drills to help golfers improve their game. One aspect of the game that Me and My Golf provides guidance on is the downswing. In a post on their website, Me and My Golf outline three must-dos for a consistent downswing, including shifting one's weight towards the lead side in the downswing and focusing on where one wants the divot to be, rather than on the golf ball. The platform has received positive reviews, with users reporting improvements in their handicap and overall game.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Weight Shift | Shift weight towards the lead side in the downswing |
| Vertical Line | Swing down while remaining on the vertical line |
| Ball Striking | Hit the ball first, then the turf |
| Finish Position | Change your finish position to alter your ball flight |
| Focus | Focus on where you want the divot to be, not the ball |
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What You'll Learn
Shift your weight to the lead side
Shifting your weight to the lead side is a fundamental aspect of a successful golf downswing. This weight transfer, or "unweighting," helps increase your vertical force and overall swing efficiency. Here are some detailed instructions to help you master this technique:
First, understand the feeling you want to achieve. The lateral motion of shifting your weight should feel as natural as walking. It's a stepping motion, and you want to replicate the sensation of taking a big, wide sidestep and planting your lead. This feeling of a complete shift is what you aim for in your downswing.
Next, focus on the timing of the weight shift. The key is to move your weight quickly, not continually. During your backswing, load your hip, and when your trail side hits the alignment stick, that's your cue to rotate and shift your weight forward toward your lead foot.
To practice this, you can use alignment sticks or rods. Place one alignment rod on your trail hip, about an inch outside of it. Then, position another alignment rod about 2-3 inches in front of your hip. As you complete your backswing, shift your weight into your trail hip, and then move forward into your lead side, feeling the front alignment stick.
It's important to note that some beginner golfers may find it more comfortable to turn around on a single axis and stay on the lead side. However, if you're looking to increase your distance, learning how to shift your weight in your swing is crucial. So, keep practicing this feel and drill, and you'll be on your way to mastering the weight transfer in your downswing.
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Focus on the divot, not the ball
When it comes to the downswing in golf, one of the key things to focus on is the shift in weight towards the lead side. This movement involves imagining a vertical line in front of you and, as you swing down to strike the ball, maintaining your position on this line. As a result, the low point of the swing occurs after impact with the ball.
To perfect this technique, it is recommended to focus on the divot, the small chunk of turf displaced after a golf shot, rather than the ball itself. This may seem counterintuitive, as the ball is ultimately what you are trying to hit. However, focusing on the divot helps you accelerate through impact, increasing compression on the ball and resulting in a stronger, more penetrating ball flight.
By concentrating on the divot, you encourage a weight transfer through the downswing, which is essential for achieving a consistent and powerful strike. This method is employed by some of the top professionals, including Collin Morikawa, who varies his finish position depending on whether he is hitting a draw or a fade.
So, when addressing the ball, shift your attention to where you want the divot to be, rather than the ball. This subtle change in focus can lead to significant improvements in your downswing and overall golfing performance.
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Use a longer iron
When using a longer iron, there are a few key differences to note when compared to a driver swing. Firstly, the ball position for a longer iron shot should be in the middle of your stance, perhaps slightly towards the lead foot, with a weight distribution of 55/45 in favour of the lead side. This differs from a driver swing, where the ball can be teed up as high as desired.
In the backswing of a longer iron shot, the torso tilt should be minimal, and the body pivot remains centred. The lead shoulder turns and moves away from the target, but not as dramatically as with a driver. A drill called "The Thong Drill" can help with this: place an alignment stick behind you at address, with the stick touching between your butt cheeks. As you move up to the top of the backswing, practice feeling as though you are moving the alignment stick towards the target with your rear butt cheek.
During the downswing, shift your weight onto your lead leg to create forward shaft lean. This steeper angle of attack will help ensure you are hitting down on the ball at impact. A drill called "Two Tees" can assist with this: place the ball on a high tee peg, and then put another tee peg about a grip's length in front of the ball. The goal is to hit the second tee peg as you strike the ball from the original tee peg.
Additionally, when in your address position, focus on where you want the divot to be, rather than on the golf ball itself. This technique will help you accelerate through impact, increasing compression on the ball and resulting in a strong, penetrating ball flight.
It is worth noting that golf club manufacturers have been making clubs longer and stronger over the years, and it is possible that your clubs may be too long for your optimal performance. Custom-made clubs or adjustments to your grip may be worth considering if you experience issues with synchronization or accuracy.
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Accelerate through impact
Accelerating through impact is a vital part of the golf downswing. It is important to accelerate the clubhead through the ball to achieve a powerful and accurate shot. This is achieved by maximising clubhead speed at the bottom of the swing, which is a product of the entire swinging motion, from the takeaway to the finish.
The downswing should be initiated by the hips, followed by the torso, then the arms and hands, with the clubhead finally coming through at the end. This sequence ensures that the clubhead gradually builds up speed, reaching its peak velocity at impact. Swinging too hard at the start of the downswing can lead to an "over-the-top" move, resulting in a slice. Instead, the goal is to conserve energy during the backswing and unleash it just after impact, leading to a more effective transfer of power.
A common mistake among amateur players is starting the downswing with their hands, which can ruin their chances of accelerating the clubhead at impact. This takes the lower body out of the equation, relying solely on the hands and arms to generate speed. As a result, the clubhead slows down by the time it reaches the ball, leading to a loss of power and accuracy.
To create backspin and add extra distance to your shots, accelerating the clubhead through the hitting area is crucial. Without acceleration, the club won't transfer enough spin onto the ball, causing your shots to float through the air without much control. Therefore, maximising clubhead speed at impact is essential for achieving both power and accuracy in your golf shots.
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Finish position is important
To achieve a good finish position, you must first focus on where you want the divot to be, instead of where the golf ball is. This will help you to accelerate through impact, increasing compression on the ball and creating a strong, penetrating ball flight.
A good ball striker will shift their weight towards the lead side in the downswing. Imagine a vertical line in front of you. A good ball striker will shift towards that line, swing down, and strike the golf ball while remaining on that line. This will ensure that the low point of the swing is after the ball, allowing you to strike the ball and then the turf, guaranteeing better consistency.
To improve your finish position, you can try a drill where you take your normal set-up, ensuring that the ball position is correct. A slightly longer iron, such as a 5/4 iron, is recommended for this drill. By focusing on your finish position and making the necessary adjustments, you can improve the consistency and quality of your downswing.
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Frequently asked questions
Good ball strikers shift their weight towards the lead side in the downswing. Imagine a vertical line. A good ball striker will shift towards that line, swing down and strike the golf ball while remaining on that line.
When in your address position, focus on where you want the divot to be, instead of the golf ball. This will help you accelerate through impact, increasing compression on the ball and creating a strong, penetrating ball flight.
Get your body to an imaginary line, striking the ball and then the turf. This will guarantee better consistency.
