I think yours was the first channel that I really understood the principal of getting the low point ahead of the ball. I'd never taken a divot and no lesson I'd had really explained it. I'm getting there, with more 'clean' strikes and more distance (and, yes, divots..), although not yet every time. Still, I have 50 years (I'm an OAP) of wrong strikes to overcome. So, thank you for finally getting this message through in a simple, understandable way. It is very much appreciated Ali.
Update from my comment of 6 days ago. It finally clicked. Only played 9 yesterday but shot 3 over for those 9. I am (was!) 22.3 handicap. Now down to 20.7 and am looking for 18. The difference is more consistent iron hitting and, yes, taking divots. Playing again tomorrow (18 holes) and can't wait to see if I can continue the improvements or if it was a flash in the pan! Thanks again Ali.
what helps me with this is on the back swing straighten out the trail leg(helps turn the hips and prevents me from sliding back), lead should down towards the ball (tilt the shoulders). It amazing how a couple of simple moves in the golf swing can make such a big difference. Watch some Tom Saguto videos and he gives really good examples on how to do this.
Thanks for the video…this is my problem, I don’t consistently hit the ball first and then the ground…im usually hitting behind the ball or topping it, so frustrating
Can I ask your opinion? In order to get that feeling of attaining the club face ahead of the ball at impact, which I've never understood until now, I've been changing my practice sessions as follows: instead of taking a full swing, I'm taking the club ( a 7 iron) back to the 9:30 position (ie, 50% shorter than usual), then shifting my weight to the left, while I try to maintain my right elbow close to my right side. I find that this has allowed me to hit almost 80% of my practice shots beautifully! The ball is always hit first, then the turf. Also, the distance I'm getting is almost incredible compared to before, due to the solid contact. Do you think I should continue this in my quest to get my club face ahead of the ball at impact? Thanks a bunch.
For us older golfers, do you think that a slower backswing will allow us to make that weight shift into the front leg easier or would that be a bad idea?
Push your, back foot, big toe into the ground on the backswing, release on the downswing. I have also brought with stance width closer. As soon as you slow your swing down and strike the ball first your handicap will drop. I have dropped 5 strokes. I only practice with 15 balls. But only as a warm up before a game. I don’t practice anymore. My golf is improving.
The left side extending, and the left shoulder turning up, are also 2 things that keep you from taking a massive divot. I appreciate you pointing out the straightening of the left leg through impact. However, DO NOT straighten the left leg by only sliding the hips forward, without rotating the hips. You pointed out the rotation part very nicely. I just wanted to warn people about the hip slide thing. Great video.
Good work. A difficult video to do off those turf mats. When you hit it fat, the club bounces into the ball, and it's harder to see what the the negative consequences would be if the wrong swing technique was made on grass.
Driving momentum forward as I get to the top of the back swing has been increasing my attack angle significantly. The club sensor I have puts it typically at -12 degrees. Deep divots under the ball stops my follow through dead dead in its tracks. I can really feel the mat when not on grass. Tips on how to hit ahead of the ball and keep the club shallow? Big struggle for me. Thanks!!
What happens if I shift my weight after I finish the backswing rather than in the middle of the backswing? I can’t think of backswing and weight shift at the same time.
Get a door mat that has stiff fibers and take it to the range. The height of the fibers varies, so find one to your liking. If I hit off mats for too long, I get tendonitis in my lead elbow. Golf outfitters will sell you some pretty green ones, but door mats work just as well and are usually cheaper. They also work on the turf in the winter when the grass on most ranges is dormant.
It’s all good advice But most people jump up before contact mainly due to losing body connection especially right body Hence makes it even difficult to shallow the path not to mention keeping it on the plane at same time
You need to get used to the feeling that you are ahead of the ball without the need to chop down on it. It is very challenging for people who sway to get the feeling of being so far ahead of the ball as the club comes down. Suddenly the ball feels way behind you. There is a natural tendency to want to dump it and save it.
I can swing my 7 iron at approximately 78 mph, but can only generate about 92 mph ball speed. How do I increase the ball speed? I'm 73 and can generate 80mph swing speed, but that only get a ball speed of just under 100mph with my 7 iron. It's driving me crazy.
