The long(ish) road back to golf

[RussUK]

First off an apology as this is going to be a bit “war and peace” im afraid

Early this year I was forced to stop playing golf due to back injury caused initially by bad posture at work. A trip to the docs advised course of Physio and luckily, as I work for a large medical firm, we have access to a great sports physiotherapist.

After an intensive 4 week course the pain was better so he asked me to try golf again (just short irons). I reported back saying I couldn’t fully turn my shoulders back. He told me not to worry and gave me a link to a guy called Kevin Mcmullen. When I went to the link i was mortified as the swing he taught was remarkably similar to a certain Mrs Kiran Kanwar with a few differences. No thanks I said, I’ll muddle on through as id seen the original swing on here back in the day and agreed with other posters sentiments.

Another month later and I was about to quit for good. My wife told me to at least  try the McMullen swing.

Well im glad I did as it saved my game. Now I know its been covered here years ago but looking over the comments that I agreed with at the time  I now disagree.

Set up is the same as the KK version. The upper body has twist to the right, closing the upper body and pushing the lead hip forward a touch (and more importantly makes you look silly), feet are parallel.

The main difference is the wrists. The wrists hinge in the backswing, they have to, it’s subconscious. I think @Phil McGleno said when he tried it “by the book” he lost so much distance, and he was right. Use the wrists and distance is good, take them out, as KK advises, and its straight but hideously short.

 

Done right (or wrong depending how you look at it) the swing works. My stock shot is now a draw and I can hit a fade by altering ball position and the amount of twist. I have to pay attention on the short irons re face alignment as on occasion I close the face at address and leave the odd shot left. A few posters said there would be no power, well im not a big hitter but on Saturday just gone I hit 270 yd draw off the first tee (down hill admittedly) and on the 17th a 260yd fade round the dogleg (slight tail wind). Not massive but good for a weekender.

 

Its not for everyone and the swing certainly has a ceiling. If you already have a decent swing then it may not be for you (work on your flaws). If however you find yourself in the same place I was then it’s a viable option even if you look a total berk at setup!.

 

To end here is my Jerry Springer style final thought: If any golfer finds themselves close to quitting, whether it be a bad back or joints, or just pure frustration, please please don’t give up.  If you have an open mind and are not afraid to try something a little “different” then there are ways and means to carry on this wonderful game. Lets remember the aim is to have fun and as long as whatever swing you use allows this then we are all winners.

[CarlSpackler]

Glad you are able to play again. I have seen some very interesting swings based on back or other issues. Whatever gets you out on the course is good as long as you don't swing like Charles Barkley. Then it's time to give it up for good. 

That's great that your wife encouraged you to give it a try. I think mine would have tried to convince me to sell my clubs. 

[RussUK]

1 minute ago, CarlSpackler said:

Glad you are able to play again. I have seen some very interesting swings based on back or other issues. Whatever gets you out on the course is good as long as you don't swing like Charles Barkley. Then it's time to give it up for good. 

That's great that your wife encouraged you to give it a try. I think mine would have tried to convince me to sell my clubs. 

Haha, i think she knew if i had sold the clubs i would have sulked for months!.

Yeah, not doing the Charles just yet! Setup looks starnge but rest of the swing is fairly normal