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How do you Start Your Swing?


mvmac
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I was watching Golf Channel tonight and there was an episode of "Celebrity Golf" where Sam Snead was playing a match against Bob Hope.  Really great to see Snead play and hit shots.  Definitely one if not the best swing of all time.  I really love watching those guys from the 40's-60's.  They seem to have more "style" than the pros today.

I noticed that Snead did exactly the same thing before every shot: looked at the target as he waggled, held the "waggle" for a second, looks back at the ball, kicks the right knee in and goes.  He's always in motion, no static set-up positions.

It made me think of Trevino shuffling his feet

And Jack with his waggles and chin tilt.

I think you'll notice that even pros today have a little something they do to pull the trigger but nothing as distinctive or with the same kind of "flow" as these classic players.

For me I know I flex my knees a little before I take it back, which doesn't always help me.  Can get the club going too low for the first few feet of my takeaway.  I have played some good golf with starting the motion with a forward press.

How do you guys start your swings, do you have a move that get's your body in motion?  If you don't do you think it's a good idea to try and implement one?

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Mike McLoughlin

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I think a trigger can be a good thing. I know gary player has talked about having one in the golf swing. Personally i have no clue if i do, i really don't pay attention or think of it as i swing. There's probably a small tick in the swing for me, if i had to guess it might be a slight forward press, maybe like quarter of an inch at most.. At least that what i think i feel. if you notice baseball players, they are constantly moving there baseball bats above there head, they only settle as the pitcher takes his wind up. I kinda like that, if people waggle, make sure your taking your swing right after it, don't sit over the ball

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I tend to shuffle and waggle my whole body pretty much, then waggle the club once or twice, then shuffle and waggle my body, then settle down and swing.  No real trigger like the Snead knee bump or a forward press or anything.

Matt

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Oh great!  This is like asking your competitor whether he breathe in or out on his backswing.

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Don't listen to Mike. He starts his swing by mimicking someone with Tourette syndrome. His hands get all jittery and the clubhead bounces around.

Just teasing Mike (not really). :D

I start the backswing similar to how Greg Norman did it. He'd slowly lower the clubhead down until it just touched the grass, then he'd take it away. I forward press just a tiny little bit, but I am a big fan of staying in motion even if it's just a little bit. I never understood the people who remained still for a decent amount of time and then suddenly started their swings.

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Originally Posted by iacas

Don't listen to Mike. He starts his swing by mimicking someone with Tourette syndrome. His hands get all jittery and the clubhead bounces around.

That's just cause I'm nervous that you're watching!

It's not my fault, I grew up watching Arron Oberholser in person and that's exactly what he does.  Maybe it's a northern California thing....


Mike McLoughlin

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I do notice a small forward press to start my back swing. I know Vijay does this and even Tiger (though relatively small) looking at the videos below.

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I DVR'd the episode last night and just got to watch it, looking for what you guys were talking about. It makes me realize I need to be more fluid and less static at address. Thanks for the thread.

In general, I waggle some before starting the swing. It feels like I start the swing with my hands.

I always liked the Mike and Andy answer to what starts the golf swing: The brain.

Constantine

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I don't really have any sort of set routine. Once I line up to the ball, if my feet are a bit uncomfortable, or my stance is off I might shuffle them, but I start the swing simply by pulling the club back. I'll usually do a few waggles (more if my arms feel stiff or something), then the only thing I do every time is bring the club face from the outside of the ball to square. Then I swing. ;-)

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I shuffle my feet a little, then right before I take the club back I flex my knees.  Once I get over the ball, I don't stand there long.

Stephan Kostelecky

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first waggle with a look at target, second waggle without a look, and my trigger is a slight press down with the inside of my right foot and I go. I have a problem over turning with my hips so this keeps me stable...and prevents swaying.
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I feel like I start the swing by turning my hips (pelvis).

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I usually let out a bloodcurdling scream and then just take it back nice and easy.

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Yours in earnest, Jason.
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Originally Posted by Ernest Jones

I usually let out a bloodcurdling scream and then just take it back nice and easy.

I want you as my partner.

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A buddy of mine does this, but it's usually after he hits the ball...

Originally Posted by Ernest Jones

I usually let out a bloodcurdling scream and then just take it back nice and easy.



Best Regards,
Ryan

In the :ogio: bag:
:nike: VR-S Covert Tour Driver 10.5 :nike: VR-S Covert Tour 3W :titleist: 712U 21*
:nike: VR Pro Blades 4-PW :vokey: Vokeys 52*, 56* & 60* :scotty_cameron: Studio Select Newport 2
:leupold:
:true_linkswear: 

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Originally Posted by Ernest Jones

I usually let out a bloodcurdling scream and then just take it back nice and easy.

Quote:

A buddy of mine does this, but it's usually after he hits the ball...


Gotta be careful with that, if you scream after hitting the ball you might slice it. I'm sure your buddy has noticed this already.

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Yours in earnest, Jason.
Call me Ernest, or EJ or Ernie.

PSA - "If you find yourself in a hole, STOP DIGGING!"

My Whackin' Sticks: :cleveland: 330cc 2003 Launcher 10.5*  :tmade: RBZ HL 3w  :nickent: 3DX DC 3H, 3DX RC 4H  :callaway: X-22 5-AW  :nike:SV tour 56* SW :mizuno: MP-T11 60* LW :bridgestone: customized TD-03 putter :tmade:Penta TP3   :aimpoint:

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I always wondered if it was possible to gain distance by letting out a grunt. You know like a tennis player. There has to be something behind it. Wouldn't that be hilarious, everytime someone tees it up on the PGA, swing and "YAAAAAAH"

Matt Dougherty, P.E.
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:titleist: 917h3 ,  Hybrid:  :titleist: 915 2-Hybrid,  Irons: Sub 70 TAIII Fordged
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I make one or two Mike Weir-esque waggles to get the clubhead ascending faster and then try to start my takeaway as quickly as possible after returning to my address position after the last waggle. Unfortunately, that "quickly as possible" is still over a couple of seconds as I am still thinking of too many swing keys.

"Success is going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm." – Winston Churchill

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