Golf tip of the month
Cape Town Golf Academy – Logicalgolf
Tip provided by: Lisa Mackenzie
Move and wind for more power – release your natural energy
Ever wondered how the pro’s seem to hit the ball a mile and make it look so easy? Using the correct techniques you too can release this natural power.
Power is built up in the backswing and there are two key movements that happen.
Correct transfer of weight – that is from left to right and back again.
And WIND (Coil).
These two movements need to be synchronized so here is how to
“MOVE AND WIND”
The body and arms work in unison here you will see the hula hoop illustrating how to maintain a wide arc in the swing.
Figure 1
Get your left side behind the ball good rotation. This position should remain constant. From address the arms start the swing, the left shoulder moves to the right which triggers a slight hip movement. About half way back as the shoulders continue to turn, the hips and knees respond to the movement of the shoulders. Flexible players don’t have to worry too much – it will happen naturally. They can simply wind the shoulders and let the hips and knees be pulled along. For less flexible players, it is important to consciously wind the left hip and knee against a solid right thigh.
When you shift your weight correctly onto the right side the right ankle, knee and hip should form one vertical line as seen in the picture. Don’t make the mistake of resisting too much with the hips – it’s the right knee and thigh that provide resistance. You will know when you are moving correctly when you feel the left hip “winding up” against the resistance of the right thigh
As the shoulders and hips turn, you should feel weight shifting into the right heel. This correct turn encourages a good swing plane assisting in loading your power ready for release, you are now WOUND UP at full Coil.
Figure 2
Good plane assisted by getting left side behind ball.
The head will have a slight movement laterally to the right in order to facilitate weight shift. The movement is no more than an inch or two.
From this loaded or ‘COILED’ position, with the weight on the right side, you are ready to fire. The downswing starts by rolling the ankles and shifting the knees which creates a shift of weight onto the left side.
Importantly, the left shoulder, which has wound laterally in the backswing, can now pull away from the chin and create torque on the arm, catapulting the arms into action as the downswing begins.
A common fault is when a player does not follow this sequence and subsequently leaves the left shoulder behind.
Figure 3
(Figure 3 - Left side drops down to the ball no stability in the) The weight then stays where it started which creates a very flat swing with no power and only the arms are able to be active in the downswing. A visible sign of not moving and winding is when the right leg is unable to maintain its flex and straightens.
This instantly loses you power and connection.
Figure 4
(Figure 4 – Flat swing not getting left side behind the ball) So get your left side behind the ball, move and wind and enjoy the POWER.
For full details please contact Lisa on 021 448 6358
Dates to diarise:
Friday, 26th of February
All members and their guests competition, 9 holes mashie, complimentary snacks and pizza, fantastic prizes compliments of Ridgemore wine, Nassau Golf, Logical Golf vouchers and Coca Cola!
Please contact Vernon to book, as space is limited – vernon@riverclub.co.za
4pm start – Shot gun start 4:30.
Cost is R60 per person and all proceeds will go to The Athlone School for the Blind Association.
At our River Club Open Day on the 12th of March you will be able to test the latest golf equipment, drivers, irons, wedges and putters by some of the best brands namely Taylor Made, Srixon, Nike and the Pro Shop.
Golf Shop special:
Ernie Else Collection – Woodworm Golf-shirts retails at R699 our SPECIAL R199.95, All sizes and colours – stocks are limited. We can also source for you hardware such as drivers, putters, irons, wedges at the BEST prices, please just e-mail me your request and I will get back to you as soon as possible with a quote at vernon@riverclub.co.za
New members special:
Once off joining fee of R680 there after monthly fee R185 per month OR – R2850 Once off annual fee. For more on info please see our River Club members page or contact Vernon on 021 447 3757.
The winner for our January members Golf Day was junior Zack Miller on 19 points, Well Done!
Every month we choose a different charity to raise funds for; The River Club Members and Guests in December raised R1130-00 for the St George’s Home for Girls and in January raised R1170 for the Cape Town Association for the Physically Disabled. Well done to all of you involved in make a difference, thank you for helping these great causes. We look forward to seeing you all again on the 26th of February!
