Re: The Downswing

There are a bunch of different thoughts and any can be successful for you. You have to try several and find one that works. Regardless, unless the downswing thought or "feeling" keeps your hands ahead of the clubhead through the hitting area, nothing will work for you. Pros (Watson perhaps) feel pressure in their hands that promote the right moves thoughout the rest of the body. Left side promoters feel it's easier to drag the clubhead through with the hands ahead. Rightsiders feel pushing the handle with a cupped right wrist works. The truth is....they can all work. A move you're already familiar and successful with...baseball swing, bowling,hockey etc. seem to work best for many.
Good luck to you.

Re: The Downswing

Dagosa's post gives you some sound advice. I can only add that whatever type of swing you use it will not create good results unless you can control the clubface such that you make good solid contact with the ball. Start the downswing slowly and create smooth acceleration through the ball and up to a balanced finish.

Re: The Downswing

dagosa has explained well the idea that there are different "schools" of how to execute a golf swing.

It's this concept which had me perplexed with the "teaching for amateurs by amateurs" thread.

As with GJS and Brian, I've been playing and thoroughly engrossed in all things golf for well over 50 years. I used to tape and edit the swings of virtually every golfer to see the details. I still tape the tournaments, firstly so I could time manage my viewing and to speed through the commercials and gab, secondly to be able to slo-mo breakdown the swings. As dagosa says, one thing is clear, there are, and have been, infinite different ways that golfers swing the club, with success. Some of the reasons for the differences may be due to reasons anatomical, physical, mental (for instance, I have a problem getting my wrists to break fully at the top with a extended take away, so I have an early wrist break to get it out of the way.) Having said this, there are definite sound fundaments which have to be followed. So it does not matter what Furyk's backswing looks like, as long as he is able come into impact the same as every good golfer.

Hogan, Trevino, Watson, Furyk etc are all different from each other. I have things in my swing that I have incorporated over time, so now I have a hybrid swing the blending which is totally unique to me.

I believe you have to try different swing concepts, e.g. right side versus left side, and find the one that works for you. The swing that works for Tiger may not be the one to study and try to emulate.

Ted

Re: The Downswing

Thanks guys-I think you're right!
Further to your comments; an aquaintance of mine, a little fellow who regularly hits drives in excess of 300 yards (dead straight) AND the leading lady golfer on the LPGA say they get their distance and power from their legs and lower body!
Go figure! Maybe I'll just forget golf and go back to bridge-it's easier----lol...Wil