I Need some advice.

[stronz]

I started to play golf this past August and I am addicted. Recently I purchased a book written by Paul Stevens called, "Swing Machine". The book is really helpful and its very much like Ben Hogan's Fundamentals. I read something and I wanted to know what you guys think about this passage and if its true.
He writes, "... If you try to steer or manipulate the club
in any way during the downswing by re-introducing power into your arms and wrists, your chances of returning the clubface back squarely to the ball are next to nil. Your best hope of hitting the ball squarely is keeping your arms absolutely powerless. Why? Because, as you let go with your arms and allow them to be moved solely by your rotating body, you will allow forces to act on the club. Forces repeat in life every time, 100% of the time (it's a physics thing)."
My question is, Should the Arms really be totally powerless?

[dlaville]

Re: I Need some advice.

I started to play golf this past August and I am addicted. Recently I purchased a book written by Paul Stevens called, "Swing Machine".

Do you mean Paul Wilson's Swing Machine Golf?

The book is really helpful and its very much like Ben Hogan's Fundamentals. I read something and I wanted to know what you guys think about this passage and if its true.
He writes, "... If you try to steer or manipulate the club
in any way during the downswing by re-introducing power into your arms and wrists, your chances of returning the clubface back squarely to the ball are next to nil. Your best hope of hitting the ball squarely is keeping your arms absolutely powerless. Why? Because, as you let go with your arms and allow them to be moved solely by your rotating body, you will allow forces to act on the club. Forces repeat in life every time, 100% of the time (it's a physics thing)."
My question is, Should the Arms really be totally powerless?

Yes and no. Depends if you hit or swing with the club. Let's look at each;

Hitters swing the left arm by straightening the right from the top. The right shoulder acts as an anchor for the right arm to push and straighten against. With this procedure the arms or I should say the right arm is providing the power, muscle power.

Swingers swing the left arm with the turning torso and shoulders. The right arm hangs on for the ride and passively straightens. With the procedure the arms are powerless. They are transferring power to the club, angular thrust.

This was a good question and we should get lots of insight into the swing

[stronz]

Re: I Need some advice.

Yes the book is "Swing Machine Golf" by Paul Wilson.

If anyone has read the book, please let me know what you thought of it.

Also, I'm having a problem with the hip movement. I can't seem to initiate the downswing by rotating my hips. Should the hips just rotate or should they move laterally first and then rotate? Any advice or drills are appreciated.

Thanks for the Reply.

[kiwi]

Re: I Need some advice.

Hip movement. I've never really thought about it. As a right hander I start my downswing purely with my left arm. As soon as I start down i brace my left foot flat on the ground to give myself something to hit against,They hips just naturally rotate and stop me falling over.

See if it works for you. Don't try to read to much into this game, do what feels natural then in a few months seek out a lesson from your local pro.

Hope this helps
Kiwi

[gord962]

Re: I Need some advice.

Starting the downswing:

To get the proper downswing, you MUST have the correct position at the top. Just one note, your club should still be going back when your downswing starts, otherwise your club will get way out infront.

To start the downswing, you must transfer the weight that was shifted to your right leg during the backswing. To move the weight to the left leg, drive your right knee towards the target by 'pushing off' with your right leg. This will start the hips turning towards the target. Remeber, the left hip is to act like a gate post. That means it stays still and the body rotates around that hip. As your hips rotate, they bring the torso. The last part of the body to come is the arms, but don't force them. As your arms start moving, keep your right elbow on your right hip until it's time to release the clubhead. Let your big muscles (legs) create the power and and your smaller muscles (arms) control the clubhead and keep the shaft on plane.

Remember to keep you backswing slow. If you rush your backswing it makes it harder to get to the correct position at the top. If this happens, the downswing is usually rushed and creates all sorts of problems.

[Ian Hancock]

Re: I Need some advice.

Stronz,

This is a great question and one I have never seen on this site before.


All I will add to excellent advice already given, in answering your origional question.

There is indeed no doubt whatsoever that if you try to manipulate the club head in any way using you hands ,arms or anything else you will fail to hit a good shot.


Ian.

[stronz]

Re: I Need some advice.

Thanks for all the help guys.