| Mastery of golf's fundamentals is the first | | | | the correct habits of the swing than if you |
| step toward better golf and consistent iron | | | | learn to play in a haphazard manner. |
| play. The fundamentals form the framework and | | | | |
| the foundation upon which the entire swing is | | | | The Swing Exercise. One of the best methods I |
| constructed. | | | | have found of developing a smooth, consistent |
| | | | swing is an exercise most golfers use when |
| Actually, building a swing is much like an | | | | they warm up before playing a round of golf. |
| architect building a house. If he builds it | | | | It is a simple little maneuver designed to |
| hurriedly - without a good set of plans - it | | | | train a golfer to entrust his swing to his |
| becomes structurally weak and the slightest | | | | arms and body instead of his hands. |
| of pressures could send it tumbling to the | | | | |
| ground. Such is the case in golf. | | | | Begin by assuming the position of address, |
| | | | and make certain that you are comfortable and |
| Since you are the principal architect of your | | | | relaxed. Then, with the upper part of your |
| swing, how can you develop it so that it will | | | | arms and elbows in close to your chest, turn |
| consistently repeat itself, swing after | | | | your body back so that the arms are about |
| swing, no matter what club you may have in | | | | belt high. The left shoulder and left arm are |
| your hand? Here is how. | | | | highly instrumental in this turning movement, |
| | | | with both the shoulder and the arm forming a |
| Developing the Swing | | | | pushing-back type of action. |
| | | | |
| From the outset, every golfer should realize | | | | Next, swing the arms forward until they are |
| that certain procedures must be followed if | | | | about belt high in front of you, making |
| he is to develop a swing. | | | | certain that the lower part of the body - the |
| | | | left hip and left leg-initiate the forward |
| There is a certain fundamental process, or | | | | swing, as the arms are swung out toward an |
| sequence, involved in learning how to play | | | | imaginary target. The right hand also turns |
| golf, and it cannot be circumvented. | | | | over the left hand as the arms are swung |
| | | | forward. |
| The Procedure. To the beginner, and even some | | | | |
| advanced golfers, this fundamental process of | | | | Perform this swing back and forth for a few |
| learning how to play golf may seem a little | | | | moments, letting your left knee and right |
| involved, but it actually is not, | | | | elbow flex on the backswing and then your |
| particularly if you develop your game in an | | | | right knee and left elbow on the |
| orderly, sensible manner. The orderly | | | | follow-through. You will soon get the feeling |
| sequence would be this way: | | | | that you are swinging with your legs and hips |
| | | | and that your body is swinging the club. This |
| 1. You learn to swing first by practicing the | | | | creates the feeling of the one-piece swing |
| fundamentals. | | | | that all of the good players have and talk |
| | | | about. |
| 2. Secondly, you learn to control the ball by | | | | |
| practicing intentional fades, hooks, high | | | | The average golfer, however, courts disaster |
| shots, and low shots. | | | | if he becomes too conscious of his hand |
| | | | action through the ball. That is why this |
| 3. Finally, incorporating the first two | | | | swing exercise is so important, because it |
| phases into your over-all game you learn how | | | | will teach him every fundamental movement in |
| to score by playing as regularly as you can. | | | | the swing without too much of a mental effort |
| | | | on his part. |
| Obviously, you cannot learn control and | | | | |
| scoring techniques before you master golf's | | | | If you will practice this swing - the right |
| fundamentals. Many have tried - and are still | | | | way - for five or ten minutes a day for six |
| trying - but they cannot hope to improve | | | | months, you will be surprised at your |
| unless they overhaul their swing completely | | | | progress in developing a fundamentally sound |
| because the swing habits they have formed are | | | | swing. |
| permanently ingrained within their muscle | | | | |
| structure. You will progress faster and will | | | | This will be the start of improving your |
| become a more consistent player if you form | | | | entire game of golf. |