What constitutes a "natural golf" swing?

[CalBoomer]

Because of my age and back, I have been limited to about 2/3 or 3/4 of a normal golf swing, never getting my club to parallel. I also try to maintain a relatively flat single plane. I always swing in-out, but to prevent hooking I use a weak grip.

Recently, I happened to come across some "Natural Golf" sites which advocate the swing popularized by Moe Norman. When I look at the various positions in the natural swing, they look just like my truncated normal single-plane swing. Everything they advocate is the same as what I do except for their extremely strong (baseball-like grip).

So can anyone explain to me what is so special about the "Natural Golf" swing? All of these sites talk like it is a totally different way to play golf. To me, it just looks like a truncated version of a normal golf swing.

[Danattherock]

I am pretty sure you have to use their clubs, or at least grips, to use their "natural golf" swing. Got the video years ago, was curious, but never gave it a try. Won't call it a total fad, but I was not willing to abandon what little I knew about golf to try this unique technique. At 6'6" 310 lbs, I hear you about everyone having their own swing. My suggestion would be for you to improve your flexibility and do some basic strength training. Something that would benefit all of us for the most part. Take some lessons with a good local PGA pro and make the most of what you got. Master the short game if your body limits other aspects of the game. Work to your strengths if you will. To do the Natural Golf properly, I suspect you would want to visit the school, get new clubs, or at least get their grips, etc... Could be more trouble than it is worth, but who knows. I just personally would take another route. Check out the below links. Bought this recently myself, but have not used it yet.

http://www.intheholegolf.com/store/rfrs.html


http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...ZT5M70NFJ3GGZX


P.S. The best thing I ever did was abandon the "club being parallel" principle. A 3/4 swing is more than enough for me. Any more, I just loose control and consistency.

[WUTiger]

Because of my age and back, I have been limited to about 2/3 or 3/4 of a normal golf swing, never getting my club to parallel. I also try to maintain a relatively flat single plane. I always swing in-out, but to prevent hooking I use a weak grip.

Looks like we are kindred spirits, except you have made more progress than I have.

The last two years, I have gone from a very upright, high reach "Golf My Way" Nicklaus-type swing to a flatter, 3/4 swing. And, in part due to age, I switched from stiff to regular-shafted clubs this spring. I have back problems also, and the 3/4 puts less strain on my back, and it helps me have a more balanced swing. Your inside-out, according to Gary Player, will put less strain on your back than a fade swing. You might google some articles by Player on this topic. I think that the flexibility advice is where I need to go next. I tend to have my swing "crumble" at mid round lately, and it feels like I'm "tightening up" after starting the round feeling loose. Anyway, its sounds like your 3/4 swing is working fairly well - 12 HDCP! You might want to try the flexibility thing before messing with a new swing.

[starbucks]

no such thing as natural. what is natural for one is not for another. any teacher describing something as natural is too self centered.

[MiniMoe]

If you are interested in trying to swing more like Moe Norman, don't go to Natural Golf. They do not teach Moe's swing any more. Check out Todd and Tim Graves from the Graves Golf Academy. I think they have several web pages (Swinglikemoe.com, moenorman.org)

Moe Norman's swing different from a traditional swing because he addressed the ball with the club on the same plane as impact. Thus, the single plane swing. It's not that it is easier, but I think it is the most efficient and the easiest to repeat. There are fewer moving parts and very little wasted movement. However, what makes the swing hard to master is it is a completely different feeling than the swing you have used for many years. It's very difficult to change your swing drastically. It is a good method to hit a golf ball. I use it and have had very good success, but it too me a while to learn the right feelings and movements. Good luck.