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Myth Busted!

Popular golf myths debunked

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MYTH #1: KEEP YOUR LEFT ARM STRAIGHT

THE FAULT: Many players are told that they have to keep their left arm straight. However if they take this literally, it can lead to unwanted tension in their body and locking up in the back and shoulders. And this excessive arm tension leads to chunking, topping and a major lack of clubhead speed.

THE FIX: While standing in a safe area, simply practice throwing your club toward a specific target. (Warning: Be careful, as clubs tend to fly left and backwards if you've never done this before!)

After about 10 club tosses, take notice of where you naturally set your backswing position and the amount of tension in your left arm. This will yield the true sensation of keeping your left arm straight. The club is naturally extended away from the target, but the arm doesn't lock up, and the shoulders stay relatively relaxed.

MYTH #2: KEEP YOUR EYE ON THE BALL


THE FAULT: Keeping your eye on the ball is not that important, otherwise how could blind people play golf?
In fact, trying to keep your eye on the ball leads to many bad habits. The act of hitting at the ball leads to fat shots, thin shots, loss of power and the dreaded over-the-top move. Remember, the ball is not the target; the target is the target!

THE FIX: Make some practice chipping swings with your eyes on the target, not the ball. Then make actual chips with your eyes on the target, not the ball. Did you notice a difference when the ball is there? If you felt like you swung "at" the ball, then you're making the ball the target. If your swing felt smooth and continuous toward the target and you allowed the ball to be in the way, then you're making the target the target. The goal in golf is to allow the ball to get in the way of your swing.


THE FIX 2: Chip with your eyes closed. Again, make practice swings with your eyes closed. Then hit a series of chips with your eyes closed. Pay attention to if you're searching for the ball or if you're simply allowing it to be in the way of your swing.

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