Overthinkering

I feel like I’ve tried it all. I’ve worked hard at testing just about every swing theory I can find and none of them have panned out on their own. There are some universal truths out there but in terms of all of the “secrets” of the game, I don’t think they exist.

One of the more difficult parts of golf is that we all have glimmers of brilliance. We can all hit amazing shots from time to time, and even though it feels like we made it happen, it’s more likely accidental. Like many things, excelling at golf is mostly mileage. Time on the range and time on the course are invaluable. Practicing your swing in your living room is probably not helping as much as you’d hope. 

Here are some of the swing methods (I guess you can call them that) I’ve tried. I’ve also included some takeaways from each method. Even though none of them were my magical cure, they all have a grain of truth.

Noodle arms

Pros:

• A lot of speed
• Pretty good strike

Cons:

• No face control
• No distance control

Takeaways:

• Don’t restrict your body movement
• Let the club release when it wants to

Hips first

Pros:

• Sequencing/timing makes sense
• Flows nicely and feels like a swing

Cons:

• A lot of stretching and stress on lower back
• Challenging to hit a specific distance

Takeaways:

• This is the scientifically superior movement pattern
• If you feel it, the club is probably getting stuck behind you

Arms first

Pros:

• Feels like an intentional movement
• Easier to alter speed and face angle

Cons:

• Most likely causes a steep angle of attack and an inside out path
• Difficult movement to produce

Takeaways:

• The arms are an important part of the swing and help in distance control

Flat lie angle/shallow

Pros:

• Results in generally good contact
• Easier to control low point

Cons:

• Difficult to control shape and the miss is generally a hook
• The hands can get stuck too far behind

Takeaways:

• Certain shots require a more shallow angle of attack, flop shots and high trajectory shots are the obvious ones.

Big body Turn

Pros:

• Using the big muscles increases power
• Relatively easy movement to replicate

Cons:

• Loss of variability that allows for different shot shapes and trajectories
• Susceptible to small changes in spine tilt

Takeaways:

• The torso turn is essential to creating range of motion for speed
• The big muscles are better at generating power and moving larger distances

No body turn

Pros:

• Actively hitting with the hands can improve strike consistency
• Easier method of controlling shape and trajectory

Cons:

• Difficult to create speed, requires a very strong upper body
• Smaller muscles can tire more easily

Takeaways:

• The hands are much more suited to controlling small movements
• They are best used closer to impact

Weight shift

Pros:

• Using the big muscles to start the movement can create more power
• Seems like a logical way to swing

Cons:

• Too much of a good thing is a bad thing
• Can be difficult to get the proper timing

Takeaways:

• A weight shift between the feet is an effective method of creating more power
• It’s only effective when applied correctly

No weight shift

Pros:

• Less moving parts means more consistency
• Can help to create a better turn

Cons:

• Difficult to increase power
• No starting movement

Takeaways:

• A good pivot is just as important as shifting weight
• The lower body muscles can be used for stability as well as generating power

Opposite weight shift/turn

Pros:

• The stretch and pull of the muscles can create more speed
• Less distance is covered so potential for more consistency

Cons:

• Unnatural movement
• Can take a lot of practice to groove

Takeaways:

• If you can do it, it can be very effective
• If you can’t, it’s probably better to leave it alone

Eyes closed

Pros:

• Helps create some trust in your body
• Can assist in developing some feel

Cons:

• Can’t see
• Difficult to fully trust

Takeaways:

• Not an effective method of playing golf
• Can be a good drill when nothing is working

Bowed wrist

Pros:

• It’s so hot right now
• Delofts the club face so it can create some distance

Cons:

• Delofts the club face so it can lower the trajectory
• Requires a lot of shoulder mobility

Takeaways:

• It’s an effective method of hitting punch shots
• If it works for you it can be very effective as a regular swing

Dead Hands

Pros:

• A good way to feel like your hands aren’t taking over
• Can help to create a better torso turn

Cons:

• Relies on a very fast torso turn to create any speed
• There is very little control over the club face

Takeaways:

• The hands have a lot to do with accuracy
• Is an effective drill to feel different things

After all that I’m realizing that there is only 1 way for you to swing the club effectively and it’s probably not the same as anyone else. Try it all, find what works and go have fun.