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Golf

2013-03-25 14:16:33

Ask the pro - series

A-Thus far in this series, with help from several sources, we have talked about the things that one must do to first get in the position to begin the swing. All of the previous articles are featured at www.theqandatimes.com under recent issues. They have been the grip, the alignment and the stance. The swing is broken down into two parts. The backswing…and the downswing. We have already discussed the backswing…and part of the downswing relative to keeping the head back and making no effort to move the golf club, and how it all should feel; the downswing…and the checkpoints. We have talked about the biggest problem of amateur golfers…the slice, and the other way the ball can bend badly…the hook. We have talked about what are called “fat” or “thin” shots, the in-to-out swing and recently about the most seductive and destructive medium in the game...that of the natural urge to act in the obvious way to achieve the desired result. The destructive side of this lies in the fact that in golf (as in many other things), the obvious way is not always the right way. We have talked about pulling the ball, pushing the ball, scooping and the dreaded s----k shot. We have talked about getting in and out of golf trouble, and other things like skied shots, swaying, spraying, toe shots, looking up, losing distance, not improving and too many three putts. This month, we will answer some individual questions we have received throughout the course of this series. Q: What should the wrists look like at the top of the golf swing if they are cocked properly? Is this an unconscious maneuver or should one think about “cocking the wrists?” A: That is an excellent question and one that many people ask. Everyone is slightly different in their swings so this position will vary from player to player. At the top of the swing the left wrist should be flat and firm. The position of the wrist should be parallel to the left arm and the face of the club should also be along this same line. The face of the club should be pointing at approx. 45 degrees toward the ground. This position is called square to the target line. Any other position and the club face will either be open or closed to the line. In order to achieve this position with the wrists it is not necessary to cock or manipulate the wrists. If the trunk is turning and the arms swing up during the backswing, then the wrists will be in the right position at the top. The correct position of the wrists looks the same as if you were to hold your left arm in front of you and make a fist, stick a club in the fist and there you have the proper position. If cocking the wrists is a conscious decision, then chances are that the club, hands and left arm will not be in the proper position at the top of the swing. A player could hit a good shot from a poor position, but will likely be inconsistent in his ball striking. Working in front of a full length mirror is an excellent way to achieve the right position, and the right feeling. Stand with the mirror to your right and "looking" down the target line. Swing back to the top of your swing and hold it, turn your head to the right and look in the mirror. You should be able to see your left wrist flat, and your clubface parallel to the left arm. Repeat this movement several times until you see the proper results.