For all the approaches used to improve performance, there’s a fundamental strategy that stands above the rest – it’s a better full swing. It’s the pathway to hitting the ball straighter, farther, and with more consistency. While mastering the short game and putting can shave shots, relying solely on those will be limiting at some point. You will eventually come to realize that you can’t always rely on chipping and putting your way to a better game.
In my last post, I talked about boosting distance through three key swing elements. Now, let’s look into the crucial components that enhance accuracy.
Mastering ball control is key – as any increase in distance will result in lower scores. The best view of the swing for accuracy is viewed from behind the golfer looking down the target line. Our book, “Swing Like a Pro,” provides details for accuracy: a square clubface, the correct swing path, and the most desirable angle of approach of the clubhead.
Thanks to cutting-edge technology like the Flightscope X3 radar-based launch monitor, we can now measure crucial ball flight characteristics during lessons. This image is taken from a former tour player and the ball flew 204 yards and finished just 6 feet to the right of the target. This player showcases how a controlled swing path and clubface angle produce a quality shot – a testament to refined mechanics and power.
If you find yourself falling into the common pattern of slicing (outside to inside club path), adjusting this movement pattern can work wonders for your shot precision. While it’s relatively easy to keep the club on the inside path during the backswing when rotating away from the target, the challenge arises during the transition to the downswing, especially when rotating the body towards the target while maintaining that inside clubhead path. This swing tendency, known as ‘over the top,’ is a common problem for slicers.
Early in the downswing (photo on left) the hips have shifted and rotated open to the target, while the shoulders are still aligned to the right or closed to the target. In the photo to the right, as the club approaches impact the hips continue to rotate and the shoulders have rotated downward but remain in a slightly closed position, a crucial relationship for accuracy. The photo of Tiger Woods (Golf Digest) is another example of the open hips/closed shoulders position in late mid-downswing. This relationship produces the straight shot, a testament to the pivotal role of the open hips and closed shoulders in enhancing accuracy.
In any sport, mastering the right movement pattern lays the foundation for excellent mechanics. For golf, it’s about making that movement alongside proper timing and a smooth, flowing tempo. To help you learn open hips/closed shoulders movement pattern, click here to view a drill with three stages you can incorporate into your swing. Make it part of your practice routine or warm-up sessions, even if you’re at home – dry swings work wonders.
Remember, improving accuracy doesn’t happen overnight, it’s a journey, an evolution in technique, understanding and practice. Embrace the process, stay committed, and watch your accuracy transform your game one swing at a time!
