Kev McDonald

Quote: Specifically I think he idea of turning the hands over is one that I just don't get and jot do I want to.. If the golf swing had anything to do with turning the wrist over I think we are all in trouble.. Maybe it is a feel used, but a conscious action? I highly doubt it is part of the golf swing or that it adds anything to the golf swing Some people describe turning the hands as allowing the left hand to speed up against the right. Ben Hogans say the left wrist should pronate as it hits the ball. Either way it should be a conscious decision but it should still happen to allow the club face to return to the ball for a cleaner strike. Feel is a way to describe how I get to that position sometimes. forcing it will make you push it left as you'll over compensate.

The title of the thread is just a selection of the many swing thoughts that I went through until recently. I have only taken up the game in the last three years but I am obsessed with the technique of the swing. Having looked through many useful videos I have discovered a feel in the swing that helps me, so I thought I'd share it and maybe help others. 1. In the back swing I try and ensure the club is horizontal when its level with my hip and the club head is just outside the hands. 2. A wide arc and wrist hinge follows so the club is then almost vertical as your hands are level with your chest. Above all this don't sway away from the ball in the back swing. almost feel you are leaning left if you have too. 3. A slight hip bump TOWARDS the target (I found if that is off it leads to trouble) and a smooth turn of the hips. This should start the down swing correctly. 4. Now this it the part that always got me but I have found you need to feel your right wrist is still cocked all the way to hip level to get the club back to a horizontal position as in the take away. And try and feel that the club is still hinged as you approach the ball. 5. Turning the hands over to connect with the ball is all about timing and its obviously harder the longer the club. 6. A "balanced finish" as the pros always say does work. I have been told a million times my swing is too fast therefore less controlled, once I started to slow down my feel improved dramatically and to my surprise distance didn't suffer but in some shots improved. I am by no way an expert and I hope this has been an easy read, it makes sense in my head. I realize swings are so individual. just look at major winner Jim Furyk's compared to Luke Donald so now I am just trying to remain consistent with is really tough when on the course. I hope it helps someone.

Anything over 220 is a good drive and leaves you a good chance for GIR my mate hits his driver about 270-290 and plays off 7. I hit mine 240 on my best day and still compete with him. People want to smash it like Bubba but it'll never happen for the majority of us so iron play is your best bet and using Hybrids to help get it close. I've realized now that the putter is the deadliest weapon and mastering that will help no end.

Thanks for the advice, I'll definitely trawl through the forum links and look at the posts.The differences in club fitting are interesting and I'll look to see how things are towards the end of the year and find a place to get fitted. Winter here in the UK is a good time for off season practice and adjustment. Uploading a video of my swing is great idea so I'll look to do that soon. My GIR stats are pretty poor so accuracy is clearly needed so a good coach will need to be found as I normally only 2 putt which leads for a lot of frustrating bogeys. Thanks again

Hi all, This is my first post since joining and I am after some advice on my clubs. Currently I have the following in the bag: Big Bertha Driver (2008 one) with a regular shaft, given from a friend. Nike Covert 3 Wood (2013) stiff shaft. Nike Slingshot 3 Hybrid to PW (2010) regular shaft. Cleveland 588 RTX 56 Degree (2013). Cleveland 588 DIADIC 53 Degree. Nike Clearview putter. The Covert is a recent purchase and the stiff shaft seems to work well for me, it goes like a dream (230 yards on a good hit). On purchase from "American Golf" they said my swing speed was between 85-90 mph which I hope to increase as I get better. The stiffer shaft seems to be a better option. My thoughts are that I should get a newer driver with a stiff shaft it is my worst club in the bag and doesn't seem to go very far (240-250 yards on a good hit) and possibly replace my Irons for properly fitted ones as they are just off the shelf from "American Golf" but have served me well so far. I'm becoming a bit of a swing geek and think I could be playing off low teens by the end of the season, so I might wait till then for new irons but should it get stiffer shafts with them also? I'm only off 18 at the moment but have only been playing seriously for 2 years. Any advice for fitting or new clubs would be great.