Confused: Is this right or what?

[Simon Woo]

Re: Confused: Is this right or what?

Thanks for your replies guys. I'm wondering now... I've been told that for the woods and for the driver, the swing plane is supposed to be less steep. Does it mean that as I approach the longer clubs, my swing becomes more one-plane? I've been practising with the irons and in the past 2 months since I've picked up golf, I am now able to hit the 7-iron and 5-iron most of the time. I feel I am ready to try my hybrid and woods, but seem to be getting the impression that my swing should become more one-plane with them?

What does "laid off" actually mean? If I do my backswing naturally, at the top of my swing, my club actually cuts across the line target line. I am quite comfortable with that position and do feel that I can generate more power with that top swing position, but have been told that it should not go beyond horizontal and should be pointing along the target line?

One more extra topic, I do have a history of dislocated right-shoulder. Does this have anything impact on which swing plane I should go for, or not relevant at all?

Thanks!

[LowPost42]

Re: Confused: Is this right or what?

The length of woods naturally flattens out your swing - you stand more upright with them automatically, which automatically flattens out your swing.

Laid off means that the club is not pointing down the target line. If you're pointing over the line, I guess it could be said you're 'laid on'

As for your shoulder, I have no idea what kind of impact it will have in your swing.

[Simon Woo]

Re: Confused: Is this right or what?

Good point. I tried out my 4 wood for the first time yesterday. Was quite worried as I looked back at the mirror and thought I was standing a bit too straight :P So does it mean I do not have to purposely flatten my swing? Tried to do that and it didn't feel that good.

Yep I think I tend to be a bit "laid on" if I swing back naturally with my irons. So I should control my backswing and bear in mind not to over-swing?

[LowPost42]

Re: Confused: Is this right or what?

The two checks are here, Simon:

Make sure that every club is soled properly. You'll then adjust your body to what is comfortable (this is kind of the reason why properly fit clubs are important). Then make the swing - the same swing you like to use. Your plane automatically flattens out for longer clubs (because you stand further away), and gets steeper for shorter clubs (shorter shaft makes you stand closer).

As for overswinging, I've only seen one guy get away with it, and he's the most consistent I've ever seen - you might know of him, his name is John Daly. I know personally anytime I overswing, the following results (and sometimes all on the same shot):

My distance suffers - because I miss the sweet spot.

The ball goes anywhere but where I was aimed.

I top it.

I chunk it.

I heel it.

I toe it.

The above 5 effects are because I've taken my body out of position to overswing.

My best shots come when I feel as though I've short-swung. Like I didn't go 'as far as I possibly could'. My distance and aim are just fine, the ball goes on the line I intended for it, and I'm in a pretty happy frame of mind approaching my next shot.

[Simon Woo]

Re: Confused: Is this right or what?

Thanks LowPost42. I've gotten to the point where I am quite consistent with my 7-iron and 5-iron. Even though the distance is still lacking (7-iron only averaging 110yd and 5-iron about 120yd), I know I can hit it sweetly at least 8 out of 10 times.

I am now thinking of trying out my M4 hybrid and the 4 wood in my bag. Does the "waiter style cocked right wrist" style still apply? I ask this because I found that this is the most significant thing I have done that helped me get the consistency with my mid irons, and I'm wondering what kind of adjustments I need to make with the woods?

Thanks!