Steep down swing or Shallow?

[Maverick]

Lately I've noticed the my downswing has become more shallow than steep, but as a result of this the flight seems not as high as if I come down steep. I guess it does seem like a low punch/stinger. It seems though that this swing is more consistent than coming down on a steep angle..for me. Is this shallow downswing recommended to play with most of the time?

[jeffgladchun]

Well I guess it really depends on your preference. If you like to play low stingers that stay out of the wind, a shallow swing plane will help you achieve that. However, a steeper swing will get the ball higher with more spin so that it will land softly and stop. You should work to find a common ground between those two swings because they can both be valuable tools on the course!

[iacas]

Lately I've noticed the my downswing has become more shallow than steep, but as a result of this the flight seems not as high as if I come down steep. I guess it does seem like a low punch/stinger. It seems though that this swing is more consistent than coming down on a steep angle..for me. Is this shallow downswing recommended to play with most of the time?

The steeper the swing the more spin you generate. A shallower swing will be easier to control in any weather, particularly the wind, not because of the lower flight (though that helps) but because of the decreased spin.

A shallower swing also gives you a margin of error. If you miss 1/2" behind the ball with a shallow swing, you'll still catch it pretty clean because you're really going through a very, very thin layer of dirt. If you miss 1/2" behind the ball with a steep swing, it's fat city.

Obviously, as the clubs get shorter, your swing gets steeper. But I'm assuming we're talking a relative thing...

One last thought: you'll still WANT to keep the steep swing, particularly to juice a wedge or something now and then. When you can hit low wedges loaded with spin (a combination of ball placement, getting your hands well ahead of the ball at impact, and a steep swing), that's a shot you'll love to have.

[muskegman]

Nice signature Jeff. Pity its "Jeffrey G. Smith." But I guess you knew that. It must be the generic "anyone named Jeff" signature.

[iacas]

Nice signature Jeff. Pity its "Jeffrey G. Smith." But I guess you knew that. It must be the generic "anyone named Jeff" signature.

No, that's my fault. I meant to copy one of the blank ones. Jeff Gladchun needs to send me his signature so I can post it.

He does seem to have "borrowed" quite liberally from my forum signature, though...

[braaaaaaaadley]

Thats funny... I always thought that I had a pretty shallow swing, but my ballflight is higher than heck. I will hit my 6 iron higher than members of my golf team hit there nine. I guess that explains why my distance is about 10-20 yards shorter than theirs is too.

[LarryK]

Is this shallow downswing recommended to play with most of the time?

According to my golf instructor, it would be ideal for me.....if I could only do it.

The title of this thread has been the most excruciatingly painful part of my golf game for the past year. I have developed a fairly respectable shoulder turn for a fat guy in his fifties. The back swing and shift to the right side is fine.

But invariably I pull my hands off plane at the top and compound the error with an ever-so-slight over the top move that has my downswing as much as 20 - 25 degrees above plane. It is killing me that I can't do something as simple as follow directions.

I am ready to give up. Not golf. Just golf lessons.

My question is the opposite. Is there anyone who plays competitively with a steep swing and is proud of it? I need a new role model.

[iacas]

My question is the opposite. Is there anyone who plays competitively with a steep swing and is proud of it? I need a new role model.

Just look for the pro players who take big divots with even their 5-iron.

[Maverick]

I'd have to say though that the shallow path is much more easier to be consistent with than the steep path. So, ideally, then I should play everything in the middle, or maybe slightly ahead, with a shallow swing path? to reduce the "punch" effect? (Sorry to be so mental/methodical..I'm at werk)