Bad shots are often caused by an out-to-in swing with the club taking an ineffective route to left field. This typically results in a dead pull or weak slice.
To get straightened out, visualize your hands retuning in a small circle so the handle or butt of the club is close to your right hip on the downswing. This is the close-handed position seen with the best ball strikers. From there you can produce the on-plane positions you’re looking for. Here’s a drill to help:
Draw a semicircle on the ground with baby powder and practice covering the line with your hands on the downswing. If your shoulders are the first to move, that will be difficult to do.
Start the downswing from the ground up so your shoulders, arms and hands are the last things to move. When the hands work along the semicircle they’ll be in a better position and the clubhead, shaft and clubface will track down an optimal line to the ball.
Geoff Murtha Australian is a PGA Class AAA golf coach at Dove Canyon Golf Club. For more information on his programs, visit golfacademyonline.com.
