Tall golfer needs help

[hate_the_slice]

Hello all,

This is my first post, and I thank you in advance for any advice you may be able to offer. I am 6'6" tall and have recently had trouble slicing the ball with my driver (Taylormade R580 8.5 degree loft, regular flex, 45.5" length). I live in Michigan, so it's difficult to keep my skills up from the previous year with all of the snow, and it may be that I'm just trying to shake the rust off my swing, but it really doesn't feel that way.
Last year, if anything, I had trouble drawing the ball too much, which I much prefer to slicing. The only thing I've really changed since last year is my grip. I was told that ideally the club should be held in the fingers instead of in the palm. This feels better, and I feel like I have more control over the clubs, but it hasn't panned out so far. Any ideas?
Also, I feel like I have a hard time clearing my body out of the way so the club can square up. I also have a hard time staying balanced throughout the swing (I often have to catch myself because I'm leaning too far forward or backward after the swing). Any ideas on how to improve those areas?
I'm sorry for the bulky post, but as you all know, it's no fun to take steps back when you just feel like you've started getting your game in order.

Thanks again, I look forward to your replies!

[gord962]

Re: Tall golfer needs help

Fist thing, your grip - check this drill to ensure you are squaring the clubface at impact:
http://members.shaw.ca/gord962/drills/clubface.htm

Next, your balance. You balance should be equal from heel to toe, maybe a bit further towards the ball of your feet. Ensure you are bent slightly at the knees as well as bending from the hips, not the back. Ensure your arms hang loosely from your shoulders - don't reach! In your address position, your should be leaning away from the target. At the top of your backswing, ensure your left shoulder is over your right knee and at the end of your followthrough your left side should be a perfectly straight line.

If you need any further help, clarification, etc, please let me know!!!

[pgmetcalf]

Re: Tall golfer needs help

First of all, your size isn't the problem, you can get your clubs fitted to your size, posture, angle lie etc. You can adjust your swing to regular sized clubs but it's unlikely you'll get as good with those as with fitted clubs.

Secondly, I don't know about you, but I always find it difficult to understand written guidance about the golf swing - it never seems to translate into visual movements and I always think more about what I've read than working on my swing. If you have lessons, your pro can see any errors, that you yourself don't know about, and will correct them. From reading a book, you can get the idea you are doing something correctly but it's not actually doing your swing much good. You may pick up the occasional clue from a book but it is no substitue for lessons. Ok, so lessons may be more expensive but you'll learn quicker ... if you're seriously about the game you shouldn't give it a second thought.

Paul

[sinuetblue]

Re: Tall golfer needs help

pgmetcalf has a good point! There is no substitute for a good pro or an accomplished friend. However, you are very tall and as such you should be using your height to full advantage because it gives you a naturally big arc and potentially great distance! So my advice would be to take the club up high! A person of your height should have a fairly steep swing plane. I don't know your swing but, depending on your arm lenght, you probably need longer than standard clubs and a steeper lie angle. Have you had your clubs fitted? To cure a slice you need to concentrate on the swing plane and the rotation of the club through the ball. Good luck!

[bonzi_532]

Re: Tall golfer needs help

When you swing your club feel as if you are swinging from left to right.