Right arm bend at setup

[lastings]

question for you all...  

So I noticed that at my setup (especially with my new more neutral grip) that my right elbow is aligned higher than my left.  Basically set up in an over-the-top position.   and, that kind of obstructs everything I am trying to do with my swing.  
since I noticed that, I have begun pre-bending my right elbow at setup, and this seems to make three things easier and more natural.  1) keeping my elbow tight to my body through the back swing.  2) opening my right hand into a hold-the-tray position at the top. 3) it almost pre-starts my shoulder turn which makes me end up with a bigger turn.  needless to say, these things have been helping my ball flight quite a bit.  

so, here's my question..  

but bending this right elbow at address, am I cheating some other part of my swing?  Am I taking a shortcut at the expense of something important?  

sometimes at the range, I'll even exaggerate this bend and almost tuck my right elbow underneath my right arm.  (this just helps me get a feel for what I'm doing.).   funny thing is, I can get some of my best ball flights by doing this. what say you about the negative consequences of this? 

 

 

 

[Hacker James]

Some in an effort to set up with the pits of their elbows pointing straight up have too much tension. Having a right elbow slightly bent is fine and the feeling of keeping the right elbow more in front of  your body (not letting it go beyond the seam of your shirt) gives you the feel of a braced pivot without actually becoming glued to the torso. My right elbow is slightly bent even at impact, but naturally straightens (extends) after contact is made. I am not sure if this is what you are describing, but is something that has helped me. The only downside I can see is if you are folding your right elbow too quickly so that you are lifting the club to the top in lieu of allowing the turn to get you there. (go wide AND deep).

[iacas]

I like my right arm to be bent slightly. It encourages it to bend/flex a bit earlier in the backswing.

[Buckeyebowman]

I understand what you're saying. If you take a "down the line" photo of your setup and your left arm is covered up by your right. you're liable to be outside in and cutting across the ball. Kind of depends what you're doing with your lower body as well, but it's not ideal.

Here's a tale of two nines. My buddy and I were scrambling against his Son and a friend the other day. I was totally useless on the front as I was "trying things" and you know how that can go when you're playing.

On the back I decided to revert to my old swing. I've always been a "right elbow close to the ribs" type swinger. Next thing I know, I'm hitting everything dead on the button! For good distance, keeping the ball in play and contributing to the team!

[Jack Watson]

I play with one guy often and it's gotten to a point where he is playing fine and out of nowhere something weird happens.  

'Trying something'  

I can tell exactly when it happens.  Don't mess with success.