An epiphany of the obvious

[glebert]

I was working with my dual trace swing trainer tonight (on a 3w) and I think I made a startling discovery. When I tried to swing HARD my clubface angle and clubhead path were erratic. When I swung EASY (like I was barely trying) I got the most beautiful squared up face and path I could imagine. Not only was it all squared, it was on the exact line that I had set at address, meaning good center contact. And the next EASY swing produced the same results. And so did the next one, and the next one. As long as I made a good shoulder turn and kept my swing plane they all looked perfect.

I can't wait to get out and try this on the course. Now maybe I will lose some distance, but does it do me any good to hit it 275 into the woods?

It's late, but I was excited and wanted to share.

Cheers.
greg

[m11]

I was working with my dual trace swing trainer tonight (on a 3w) and I think I made a startling discovery. When I tried to swing HARD my clubface angle and clubhead path were erratic. When I swung EASY (like I was barely trying) I got the most beautiful squared up face and path I could imagine. Not only was it all squared, it was on the exact line that I had set at address, meaning good center contact. And the next EASY swing produced the same results. And so did the next one, and the next one. As long as I made a good shoulder turn and kept my swing plane they all looked perfect.

Took me years to figure out how to swing easy. congrats. And i'd take 245 in the fairway then 275 in the woods any day.

[Chilli Dipper]

When it comes to irons, I haven't noticed any significant loss of distance between solid contact with a fluid, relaxed swing, as opposed to solid contact when I'm trying to knock the cover off the ball. Predictably, the fluid, relaxed swing is much easier to repeat consistently. From my own experience, though, this knowledge has yet to cross over into my woods.

[mellojoe]

According to the experts, I doubt you'll lose distance with a smooth swing, vs a HARD swing. You'll be hitting the "sweet spot" more, and thus generate more ball speed at impact. Thus, a smoother swing could produce LONGER ball flights than a hard one.

[dkinser86]

Since I began to play golf, I've always had a fluid, balanced swing. I believe the key to it is the part about being balance. I see a lot of higher handicappers falling over themselves when swinging. I swing hard, but you'll never see me falling down.

Of course, you have to have proper sequencingomc backwing -> hands, shoulders hips to a full turn. Then, downswing ->hips, shoulders and hands. and be sure to follow through. The faster you go through this on the downswing, the farther you hit the ball.

[glebert]

Got out and played 9 holes today with my new EZ Swing (tm) and I am pretty impressed. I shot a 49, which is not great for me, but that includes a quad on the last hole after my 7w went 225 yards off the tee, blew through the dogleg and into the trees. That is 15 yards further than normal for me. I only hit driver on two holes (it is a very short, narrow course), first one I topped it somehow, but the second one smoked it about 260 into the wind with a bit of a draw. Also found out what the sweet spot on my driver really sounds like (like a bullwhip right next to your ear ).

If I can regularly play the tees as well as I did today, and get my wedges to behave (which they were not today) I think I am ready to really improve my scores.

greg

[Ruari]

If I can regularly play the tees as well as I did today, and get my wedges to behave (which they were not today) I think I am ready to really improve my scores.

I think you are, too.

Swing easier, get on the fairway and two-putt - damn, you could turn pro! Seriously, work on cutting out the mistakes - the quad on the 18th, for example - and your scores will tumble. Cut out the trick shots - just chip out onto the fairway. That will save a couple of shots when you go into the trees. You may not par but you won't crucify yourself.