Arm Connection on the Backswing

[leftygolfer]

I wanted to start a little discussion on keeping your arms connected to your body on the backswing... everybody has a different degree of connection with both arms, so what is the "correct" way?

I *think* Tiger (2001-2003) stays connected the best (with both arms). This is evidenced by his flatter left arm plane at the top with a very tucked right elbow. But if you look at Adam Scott, who has a very similar swing, his left arm gets away from his body on the backswing and consequently has a much higher left arm plane at the top? Who's is better? Adam has a slight reroute to the inside on the backswing (notice how his hands take an outside route on the takeaway?), but is this hurting him or is his higher position at the top worth the reroute?

Should both arms stay well connected, or should you let one (or both) get away a little bit? It seems when I let my left arm get away from me (I'm a lefty), I chicken-wing a bit and my swing is a little flatter.

Does staying well connected make the downswing easier because you don't have to reconnect at some point? I know most players don't think much about connection, but it seems like something every good ball striker considers. I was hoping some of the pro's and low handicappers could write their thoughts on this matter.

[Mr_Change]

Re: Arm Connection on the Backswing

Sounds interesting, I have never worked on my arm connections, just making sure my arms hands shoulders all move together on my takeaway, then I bend my right elbow to take the club to the top. I don't even know if my arms are connected. The reasons why is I am worried about keeping on plane. It will be good to hear from some of the others to get their opinions though.

[TeachingPro]

Re: Arm Connection on the Backswing

Lefty,

Well there's no single correct way of swinging the golf club. There are lots of incorrect ways though...

Tiger's swing was a bit compact and flat and very cramped at times. Adam takes it to the outside to get width and then re-routes on the way back. But, they both work if you're willing to put in the work to make them work. They also have a little bit of talent.

Obviously, try to keep your arms connected throughout the swing. It's the best way of staying in control of the club and minimising any small corrections you need to make. But the connection should be a flexed connection, not stiff-armed ... that's worse than breaking the connection!

For a lefty:
If you do stay connected, your right arm will be sort-of straight, your left elbow will point straight down to the ground at the top. 1/4 of the way down, your left elbow will tuck in and your left arm will be extended pointing the club skyward ... then into impact. Your body, arms and club will be aligned automatically.

So, yeah it is easier to control the movements. That's the short answer.

[GregJWillis]

Re: Arm Connection on the Backswing

Right on Graham,

To elaborate a little: I look for the arms to never leave the imaginary plane of the shoulders - in a side to side view. So you should never get your hands outside your shoulders. This would mean that you are moving your arms without rotating your shoulders. And this creates a shorter arc.

There is movement of the arms within this range, mostly done to the back shoulder limit, and of course up and down all you want. Anytime you see the arms staying within the shoulders, you are staying "Connected".