Pushing Swing Suggestions

[Epicycle]

Hello all ...

This is my first post, I just found this forum today. I'm a caddy of 8 years and a golfer of 10 years but after college I gave the sport up due to work hell (70+ hour weeks) for the past 8 years. Well I recently picked it back up again and am at it with a passion. Prior to stopping I was a 10 handicap and had a pretty smooth even tempo swing (so said my coach at high school and friends anyhow). I play a fade naturally and come into the ball pretty straight though sometimes slightly from the outside (slightly i swear) when I power it.

So now comes the question ... I've been doing the range a bit lately and for the life of me I can't figure out what is wrong with my swing. I am 95% of the time pushing it right of the target, with a fade of course. Not slicing, actually pushing it. I aim straight and it's off the clubhead 30 degrees right before I can even blink. I thought it was because I wasn't turning my hands over fast enough or perhaps that I had to tight of a grip. Then I thought maybe my weight was to much on my heals. My follow through is good and I feel like I'm transferring my weight properly. I haven't take any pictures yet though that is coming soon.

Does anyone have any suggestions on how I can track down my problem? Ideas on simple practice aids I can follow to iron this wrinkle out? I was surprised that I was still able to hit the ball as solid as I have been and except for this consistent push way off path I just need to get that muscle memory back and remake some of my shots and my touch around the green.

A few other important notes that obviously effect swing. I've now over 30 (31 soon) and I've put on some weight which I'm now trying hard to reverse the process of. I won't kid, I'm not a small guy. I'm tall and have some wide shoulders.

Anyhow ... I'd love to hear what people suggest and I hope to contribute to everyones discussions. Have a great evening all!!!

Sean

[SIRCHOPALOT]

Re: Pushing Swing Suggestions

Welcome. I just signed on as a member of this forum myself. Lots of good information here.

I assume you have tried to strengthen your grip slightly? If you are that consistant with your off line shot it may be something as simple as that. Good luck.

[briguy]

Re: Pushing Swing Suggestions

Have you checked your left shoulder at address? Is it "farther" ahead than your right one thereby blocking out the target and furthermore is there as yet unnoticed tension associated with this type of setup? Bad set up habits creep in like cancer, and are unwittingly grooved because to the player because they feel normal. Pros use swing coaches to tell them they are getting out of position because it is process that is too subtle and elusive to the self-observer.

Also, an inside- to- outside downswing path can cause pushes, but this is largely beyond my knowledge. When I've block pushed in the past, I've fixed it by experimenting with aforemetioned setup positions and tension issues and takeaway paths.

[gord962]

Re: Pushing Swing Suggestions

Something to check for is a sway in your swing. If you are moving your body towards the target, you have essentially moved your ball back in your stance, relative to your impact position. With an inside-out swing, you are now contacting the ball way before you are at your impact position, sending the ball right.

[braveheart]

Re: Pushing Swing Suggestions

Sean,
Wow! This is also my bigtime problem now. I was originally pulling and hooking iron shots due to strengthening my grip subtly by opening clubface with club behind the ball after gripping club with two left knuckles showing. I have since made my grip neutral with shots going to the right but straight with good distance and trajectory. I have been told I dont look turned enough toward target(belly button and hands are not turning over (too much tension). Check these things. How to fix them is still ongoing with me. Good luck, these guys are superb on this forum and are always willing to help.
Mike