On The Tee with Hank Johnson

The Golf Swing Simplified

Third segment in a series: Connection

So far we have created a steady post that should not sway or bob so that your head can stay steady. This gives your swing a centered arc which is necessary for precision. You will remember that the post can rotate to create the motion of the swing.

Here is the key for this segment. This rotation is what actually swings the arms and club through their arc around the body. That is right you don’t swing your arms with your arms! They are swung by the rotation of your body.
Now in order for this to happen the arms must stay connected or matched up with the rotation of the body. To accomplish this, think of the arms and shoulders as an upside down triangle. Connection means that the sides the arms do not move on their own. They are moved by the rotation of the base shoulders of the triangle. This keeps them connected or matched.
If you keep your upper arms and elbows the same distance apart from the start to the finish of your swing then they will tend to stay connected to the body. You can feel this connection by putting a rolled up bath towel across your chest and under your arms. If your upper arms hold this towel against your chest you will be able to have the feel of connection. This drill should only be done in half to three quarter swings with your wedge to get the feel.

There is now a very effective training aid to learn the feel of a connected swing. It is called The Perfect Connextion and it is available through the Dewsweepers store. I am currently using it with my students with great success. Several of my players whose swings have been too loose now know what it is supposed to feel like.

Next segment: Saving the Power for Impact
Hank Johnson, PGA