This article originally appeared in the November issue of NCGA Golf Magazine
By Joe Vavra with Al Barkow
Most golfers have a HIT complex. That is to say, their intention when at address is to hit the ball. Of course. How else are you going to get it moving? But what happens is, the club STOPS at impact. It doesn’t actually stop, of course, but because the club is effectively not swung through to the target the ball often does not go in the direction you mean it to. And, much of the energy created in the downswing is dissipated; power is lost.
On the other hand, if you concentrate on swinging the club past the ball and toward your target – the ball just getting in the way, as we say - you will more often than not send it on the intended line, and with good distance. In striking the ball visualize a continuation of the club to and through impact and the ball flying and rolling toward your target. I call it the SWING SYNDROME.
There are certain mechanics that promote the above. One, in particular--The motor of your golf swing is your arms, but the left arm in particular (right arm for left-handers). The left arm is very much dominant in the entire action. You initiate the swing action with it, and it leads the club in the downswing. The right arm is relaxed, quiet; its role is to steady the path of the club back and through the swing.
However, first things first. A proper grip on the club is very important to the process. It should be a neutral grip. With the heel of the left hand just off the left center of the handle, visualize a clock on the handle with the left thumb at 1 o’clock and the right thumb at 11 o’clock.
Grip pressure is no small issue. It is essential to feeling the clubhead throughout the swing and facilitating the swing-through. To achieve the correct grip pressure, grip the club by holding it at your side and raising it vertically to form an “L” position with the arm and shaft. This creates a natural wrist hinge, and to the correct degree. Then, use the club as a hammer to pound nails. This will help achieve the correct grip pressure.
Now, the backswing begins with the left arm moving straight back from the ball. Always feel, when your hands get about waist-high, the upper body begins to turn. When the two work together as a single unit, the chances of making a good shot are very good. At the same time, the flexing or cocking of the wrists begins.
And by the way, it is not a bad idea to have a little bend in the left arm as it completes your backswing. This helps extend the length of the backswing.
An important element in the left-arm-dominant golf swing is that it promotes a good swing tempo. It may not be the same swing-speed for everyone – it depends on an individual’s internal or natural tempo. That is in large part because the takeaway of the club is not with the hands but with the much more stable left arm. When the left arm is the central mover of the club your shoulders will turn with it, as will your hips and legs, along with raising the left heel, This creates, in all, what I like to call THE RHYTHM.
For another thing, if there is good tempo in the takeaway, and the downswing is led by the left arm, the downswing will not be rushed. It will be on tempo and moving out toward the target.
It is very important that the unhinging of the flexed wrists comes at the very moment of impact with the ball, never before. That release will square the clubface at impact. But it should not be a conscious release; it should happen naturally, with the left arm still dominant and leading the club to the ball.
Another positive outcome when the swing is dominated by the left arm is there is very little chance of, or need, for any adjustments in the swing as it develops. You will not have to re-route the club when beginning the downswing – that is, work the club to the inside, or, come over the top with the right shoulder moving out toward the ball. With no re-routing you are buying an insurance policy for solid contact with the ball.
A good way to develop the left-arm-dominant golf swing is to hit one-handed chip shots with, of course, only the left arm and hand.
Another exercise is to practice swinging and hitting balls with your feet together. It helps you find your correct swing speed and rhythm, and to eliminate a dominant right side.
Another exercise is to grip the club with your left hand, then covering it with your right hand; the right hand is not on the club itself. Practice hitting balls with this exercise, which will help get the feel of the left hand and arm being dominant in the swing.
Joe Vavra has been teaching golf since 1968, beginning at Bayonet Golf Course at the former Fort Ord. He has also taught at Richmond CC, The Olympic Club, Harding Park (where he was head professional), and is currently contributing his expertise to the PGA of America’s HOPE Program. He played competitive golf on the California and Pepsi Golf Tours from 1995 through 1997.