Help me

[willie2]

Here is my problem. A problem that I'm certain a lot of people have with this game. I don't hit the ball far. I'm 60, 187# 5'5" and have a muscular body type (weightlifter for 30+ years). I hit a 6 iron 115 yards (carry). I have tried different shaft flexes and I hit them all the same. Not 5 yds difference in any shaft. I have hit reg flex, Senior flex and ladies flex and they all carry about the same distance. I hit the ball on center consistently. I have used the impact tape to see where contact is being made on the club face and it is on center consistently. I have a fairly good shoulder turn and am still flexible...

I play forged irons but have tried game improvement clubs and I still don't hit the 6i any further...Can someone give me some suggestions or advise? Other than giving up the game. Which was my wifes advise btw

[Neil18]

Re: Help me

Hey willie2,

Without wishing to appear condescending, for a physically fit gentleman even of 60 years old to be hitting a 6 iron 115 yards is somewhat confusing without more to go on. Add to that the fact that you're probably fitter and stronger than a lot of 40 year-olds, there must be a few things missing from your technique.

Given that with a flexible and muscular physique you should be looking to add at least 30-40 yards to the yardage you've quoted above I'm sure I, along with others on here, would like to see a video from infront and down the line before getting into discussions about power sources. Especially if you find the middle of the bat regularly.

[GregJWillis]

Re: Help me

I agree with Neil. Video will make an easier job of this.

But, if I would guess (and I do often), you are only swinging with your arms....your shoulders/arms leading the swing from the top and that you think creates more power, but I contend that the lower body's first essential movements creates the real power...with the proper sequencing, creates a whip-like affect. This whip allows the upper body to be propelled with less effort, thus allowing it's additional movements to be magnified causing the arms, hands and wrists to finish with the final acceleration through impact.

Any attempt to misfire the sequence will result in a short combination whip. You want the longest "rope" you can get to gain the most advantage. The legs are the handle, then the hips, torso, shoulders, arms etc all get fired in order. The time differences of this order are very hard to actually see in live action, video helps, but most importantly you will feel it. Once you do one that created the proper whip affect, you will know from then on when you misfired a sequence.

To start, try my walking drill here:
http://mysite.verizon.net/gregjwillis/LESSON2.htm

This will get you the feeling that you need to start the swing with the legs. (Again, all just a guess).

[BrianW]

Re: Help me

Hi Willie,

I am your age, a bit taller at 6: ft and also a fairly powerful frame. In my earlier golfing days I used to have a similar problem as someone who had played squash for many years, had done weight training and felt fairly fit and strong was suffering with distance. It did remind me of when I was younger and started playing squash that some women with biceps the size of my thumb could generate faster ball speed than me with my Popeye forearms .

In both cases the problem was one of generating headspeed through width and release.

Muscling the golf club at the ball narrows the swing arc by creating tension in the arms. Gripping tightly stops the wrists from hinging and releasing. There are some other power leaks that will lose distance, these are commonly allowing the elbows to bend in the backswing and downswing thus shortening the swing arc and flipping the wrists to get the ball up, also allowing the body to sway.

Make sure your grip, arms and wrists are loose in the downswing, this allows them to extend away while maintaining a wide arc, short arcs lose power and hit thin. Learn to maintain the angle in your wrists well into the downswing so that the late release will create more speed into the ball.

Here are a few videos that may assist you:

http://www.ritson-sole.com/golf-tips...ng-your-power/

http://www.ritson-sole.com/golf-tips...on-power-leak/

[cyc53870]

Re: Help me

Let someone look at your swing to make sure you are not casting (coming in from the outside) on the downswing... Also try experimenting at the driving range.

[ben hogan]

Re: Help me

Give this a try....


http://www.golflink.com/tipsvideos/video.asp?v=32634

[arch11]

Re: Help me

I agree with Greg, you are probably hitting with your arms. I have a few friends who are body builders and quite big (a couple of world champions), the common problem all of these guys have after so may years of creating mass is that they are not very flexible. Get into stretching exercises for golf and hit with the body not the arms.

[ben hogan]

Re: Help me

One more while we're at it...
Look at the chalk line before and after...



http://www.golflink.com/tipsvideos/video.asp?v=34134

[willie2]

Re: Help me

Thanks to everyone for the advise and direction. I have made a video of my swing and will post it here for analysis. Again, thanks for the help...