Right Forearm Higher than Left at Address

[Mooka]

Hello Sandtrap,

I don't post here often but hope I can gain some advice, or specifically start a discussion on the subject.

I have experimenting with different ways of gripping the club. Currently my grip is a strong 2.5-3 knuckles on my left hand and weaker right hand (My right hand V points closer to my chin than my right shoulder). I mention this because I figure this will be relevant to the conversation.

I've noticed that when I have my right forearm and elbow lower than my left at address, it causes me to suck the club inside too soon and this position also seems to cause the face of the club to open at address. (could be due to my grip) My takeaway swivels the club even more open during the back swing. (sorry for lack of video). My typical miss these days are either push fades or low straight draws/hooks.

Well those details aside, I had a 9 hole round where i started well, then fell apart. Mid-way during the round, I decided to have my right forearm above the shaft plane and above my left arm at address. This had a very weird feeling but produced THE highest launching long irons with a slight push draw pattern I've ever played and very crisp short irons. I even hit a 105 yard SW on 18. The primary miss was a high push that went the same distance as a normal shot. just a few degrees off line. Most importantly, no hooks.

So, my question is, why could this forearm relationship produce that much of a change? Could my weaker RH grip require me to have a higher right forearm at address? If so, Could this cause the shoulders to open any? I've searched all over the net and only could find an example of Hogan with his right forearm higher than the left and IT BE EXPLAINED WHY he did it ( http://www.rotaryswing.com/golf-instruction/Ben_Hogan/ben-hogan-address-position.php It's under #3 - Arm position) I've seen tour players setup like this. But I'm looking for the why, benefits, pros and cons.

I hope I'm clear in what I'm trying to ask but if you need more clarification, please ask, and I'll try to explain as best as possible.

P.S Lastly, and this is probably off topic, but I don't want to start another thread, can a weak RH grip cause the club face to close MORE rapidly if combined with a weaker LH grip?

[chdduncan]

Originally Posted by Mooka

Hello Sandtrap,

I don't post here often but hope I can gain some advice, or specifically start a discussion on the subject.

I have experimenting with different ways of gripping the club. Currently my grip is a strong 2.5-3 knuckles on my left hand and weaker right hand (My right hand V points closer to my chin than my right shoulder). I mention this because I figure this will be relevant to the conversation.

I've noticed that when I have my right forearm and elbow lower than my left at address, it causes me to suck the club inside too soon and this position also seems to cause the face of the club to open at address. (could be due to my grip) My takeaway swivels the club even more open during the back swing. (sorry for lack of video). My typical miss these days are either push fades or low straight draws/hooks.

Well those details aside, I had a 9 hole round where i started well, then fell apart. Mid-way during the round, I decided to have my right forearm above the shaft plane and above my left arm at address. This had a very weird feeling but produced THE highest launching long irons with a slight push draw pattern I've ever played and very crisp short irons. I even hit a 105 yard SW on 18. The primary miss was a high push that went the same distance as a normal shot. just a few degrees off line. Most importantly, no hooks.

So, my question is, why could this forearm relationship produce that much of a change? Could my weaker RH grip require me to have a higher right forearm at address? If so, Could this cause the shoulders to open any? I've searched all over the net and only could find an example of Hogan with his right forearm higher than the left and IT BE EXPLAINED WHY he did it (http://www.rotaryswing.com/golf-instruction/Ben_Hogan/ben-hogan-address-position.php It's under #3 - Arm position) I've seen tour players setup like this. But I'm looking for the why, benefits, pros and cons.

I hope I'm clear in what I'm trying to ask but if you need more clarification, please ask, and I'll try to explain as best as possible.

P.S Lastly, and this is probably off topic, but I don't want to start another thread, can a weak RH grip cause the club face to close MORE rapidly if combined with a weaker LH grip?

You seem to have a proper grip. I would only suggest that you make it a tiny bit stronger with your right hand. Going towards your collar bone is a good place for the V to point to.

It seems to me that you might be setting up pointing a little to the right. Correct me if I am wrong. When your pointed right your going to "push" every shot. Your right forearm should be a little lower that your left because when you set up your left shoulder should be a little higher than your right. I suggest a slight forward lean of the club. This creates a great set up with your forearms in the correct position.

Ben hogan had a very "weak" grip set up that created a very powerful fade. I suggest to you the above and to prevent any grip related faults to grip the club lightly and then focus on your grip pressure at impact. It should not change. People have the tendency to tighten their grip at impact and this causes a ton of inconsistent shots. If you focus on grip pressure, slight lean of the club toward the target and your left shoulder a tiny bit higher than your right should really make a difference in your swing.

A weak grip set up can cause you to open the club face to much on the back swing and when you arrive at impact your clubface will be slightly open creating a fade or even a slice.

If you have any questions please let me know.