Game gone to pieces

[AlanN]

After a disastrous round, today, I feel like putting my clubs up for sale.

If any of you swing analysts, out there, can help this would be much appreciated. I have a fairly good short game but, my long game is just plain awful.

I struggle to make a full shoulder turn. I'm a 63 year old with a bit of a back problem. Trying to turn, fully, feels like an act of contortionism. I had a lesson a few weeks ago and the pro told me to allow my head to move, in the backswing, to enable me to turn more. Unfortunately, when I do this, I, also, tend to move forwards too much in the downswing.

I have a repertoire of bad shots but, am hoping that somebody can put their finger on a commonality between them. Here is the list :-

The occasional high pull with the driver, off the tee. The ball goes almost as high as it does forwards. I'm, also, hitting some of my iron shots very fat, even off the tee. The ball tends to come off the toe and have noticed that my divot mark is square but, more on the inside of the ball as opposed to where the ball actually was.

Help. Thank you

Alan N

[derek gaffney]

Re: Game gone to pieces

to stop your drives going to high from the tee try putting the ball a little forward in your stance just about level with your left heel or even an inch futher this will help you make contact on the upswing rember to keep a slow tempo .For an easier weight transfer for somone as young as you take your stance then move your right foot back 2/3 inches . This will help you hit the ball more square hope to be of some help
derek

[AlanN]

Re: Game gone to pieces

Thank you Derek. That sounds worth a try. I'll be playing on Friday, if I haven't sold my clubs by then!!!

rgds

Alan

[Robert O' Keeffe]

Re: Game gone to pieces

Alan,
I agree with derek. try and concentrate on a slow takeaway and a "through the ball" contact. Let your swing go from start to finish in the same tempo. Tie this up wiyh dereks advice and see what happens. Best of luck.
Robert

[AlanN]

Re: Game gone to pieces

Thanks Robert. It's interesting to note that you and Derek suggest a slowing down of the swing. I know that, at times, I tend to rush the transition from backswing to downswing. If I have time, today, I might go to the driving range to try and fix the problem.

rgds

Alan

[vp27519]

Re: Game gone to pieces

Alan,

I'm assuming you're a right hander. To help with your follow through and finish, open your left foot a wee bit at address. Say 11 o'clock - not too much now though.

I too have a lower back problem. I was instructed to do this. It helps me considerably.

Give it a go.

Nicole

[tpg1965]

Re: Game gone to pieces

good tip vp

[AlanN]

Re: Game gone to pieces

Thanks for your help Nicole.

I've just come back from the driving range and put all the helpful advice into practise. There was a big improvement. I, also, made an effort to swing in to out by holding my shoulders back. I started to hit the ball very well.

The downside was that after hitting my driver and long irons really well, I couldn't find my touch for the short pitches/chips!!!

No one ever told me that this game was easy

[tpg1965]

Re: Game gone to pieces

Hi alan.
It is a sad but true fact that with advancing years we all begin to lose a little suppleness. I have a drill for you to try( i do this myself and i'm only 41 ).you can do this in the comfort of your home and only takes 5 mins a day.
Hook a broom handle behind your back and hold in place by trapping it with your elbows. assume your set up and rotate your shoulders to the right as far as you can and hold for seven seconds. Then rotate to the left and hold again.five minutes a day is enough and over a couple of weeks u will notice a big improvement in your flexablity.....If this exercise cuases you too much pain stop it at once....Regards . Terry

[msklar92]

Re: Game gone to pieces

Turning your RIGHT FOOT also will help you to rotate more.

[msklar92]

Re: Game gone to pieces

meant to say - turning your right foot out at address

[AlanN]

Re: Game gone to pieces

Thanks to everybody for the help. Terry thanks for the exercise drill. I don't have a broom but, have a walking stick which I've had to use when my back has been really bad. I'm sure that will do fine