left arm?

[Enjoi]

When i swing my iron's and try to keep my left arm straight, i don't make the best contact with the ball and i lose like 30-40 yards if i was bending my left arm on the top of my swing. Is it that important to keep my arm straight, or should i just keep bending my arm at the top of my swing, if i make much better contact and hit it 30-40 yards farther?

[Calvey]

Left arm streight is good, you need to make sure that you have a good soulder turn to get inside the ball, this let's the body coil up then unload giving more power.

[Spectrums]

Are you hinging your wrists at the top?

[Enjoi]

I think i migt be hinging my wrists. But i still am hitting it so much better when i bend the arm. Any tips?

[Shindig]

When i swing my iron's and try to keep my left arm straight, i don't make the best contact with the ball and i lose like 30-40 yards if i was bending my left arm on the top of my swing. Is it that important to keep my arm straight, or should i just keep bending my arm at the top of my swing, if i make much better contact and hit it 30-40 yards farther?

There's no "correct" golf swing. There's a swing that works for you. If left-arm straight works for you, then yes, you should keep it straight. If it doesn't work for you, then don't keep it straight.

[itzzzberny]

think of it like this.... when you set up with your left arm straight (if your RH) and get your body in position. your gonna be lifting the club back w/ your shoulders. remember that your hinged at the waist about 45 degrees w/ your back straight (it is very important to maintain good posture while taking your shots). if you don't make any adjustments, when you bring the club back on the same swing path. it should be in the correct spot for impact.
also remember :
-the lead shoulder on the backswing goes under the easily chin not running into it.

-ball position is important, 3-5 iron an inch from center, 6-8 iron center, and 9-sw an inch from center or even center.

-w/ irons your hands should be infront of the ball (closer to the hole) at address and through impact.

- a solid but loose grip (just enough from letting the club slip out of your hands.

- remember to say , "i think i can, i think i can, i think i can."

[jimiforpres]

Are you rotating your upper body? It is possible that you are losing distance because, when you keep your left arm straight, you cannot make a full swing without turning your body. Try rotating your torso while keeping your spine at a constant angle. This should help you get the distance you want while maintaining accuracy.

[Enjoi]

Alright thanks everyone for the tips. I'm playin Tijeras Creek today so ill hit a small bucket before and try to use the advice!

[Ringer]

Left arm stiff = bad
Left arm straight = good

Difference being MOMENTUM causing the straight arm vs tension.

[allin]

Why keep the left arm straight? It is about keeping maximum width in your swing and eliminating exta motion, keeping the swing simple. If you restore your separation and arm extension before contact there really has been no harm. The real risk is if you keep turning your arms after your shoulders have stopped turnng on the backswing you have not added any real power to your swing and it is more difficult for most people to keep their timing.

[doublesuited77]

Why keep the left arm straight? It is about keeping maximum width in your swing and eliminating exta motion, keeping the swing simple. If you restore your separation and arm extension before contact there really has been no harm. The real risk is if you keep turning your arms after your shoulders have stopped turnng on the backswing you have not added any real power to your swing and it is more difficult for most people to keep their timing.

great post. additionally, if you arms are moving after your shoulders stop, you will often move out of your original swing plane.

[Norm66]

All I know is that when my instructor finally got it through my thick skull to turn my shoulders and keep my left arm straight my distance and consistency got a lot better.

[bwinger79]

Straight.....bent..... it doesnt matter. There is no one correct golf swing. All the ball knows is impact. As long as you are getting to a good impact position, use whatever feels comfortable and gives you the most consistent swing.

[doublesuited77]

try this-- take the club with your right hand only and hit some balls. You shouldn't lose more than 10-15% of your distance. once you are hitting them well doing this, then add your left arm and try the same swing.