Importance of a firm left side at impact

[Tmason]

I've been working hard on some fundamentals this winter and have re-visited the topic of being firm on the left side at impact. That is, making sure the majority of my weight has transferred to my left leg (I'm right handed). I feel like this will improve my ball flight, dispersion pattern and overall consistency. Has anyone else made this a point of emphasis? I would be curios to hear some drills, thoughts, keys, etc. that you may have found useful in attempting to become more firm at impact.

[Simon Woo]

Re: Importance of a firm left side at impact

Practising impact with the ol bean bag is probably the best way to develop this feeling.

[auldyn]

Re: Importance of a firm left side at impact

Practising impact with the ol bean bag is probably the best way to develop this feeling.

Henry Cotton advised getting an old auto. tyre ,using it to build up the left side.

[clarsen]

Re: Importance of a firm left side at impact

I've been working hard on some fundamentals this winter and have re-visited the topic of being firm on the left side at impact. That is, making sure the majority of my weight has transferred to my left leg (I'm right handed). I feel like this will improve my ball flight, dispersion pattern and overall consistency. Has anyone else made this a point of emphasis? I would be curios to hear some drills, thoughts, keys, etc. that you may have found useful in attempting to become more firm at impact.

I use 2 drills - 1) Hale Irwin suggests a strong feeling of coiling the Left Leg muscles throughout the take away. This also prevents the hips and weight from shifting to the right, and keeps my weight on the inside of both feet thru take away to the top of the backswing. At the top of the backswing that left leg feels really stretched/coiled and in control. The next drill - 2) Jack Nicklaus suggests a "planting" of the left foot to start the downswing and then push down with the left foot, like an accelerator, thru the down swing (smoothly). The hands, shoulders (upper body) are not manipulated but respond to this foot action. Don't move your head or allow it to move forward.

To feel the full effects of these drills on the left side at impact, try the above drills and - Additionally 1) as a once off, place the ball say three inches further forward in your stance, opposite the left foot middle toe, 2) keep the left leg bent through impact and 3) keep your head still and back. The entire left side will feel fully stretched and strong at impact.