One of my earliest challenges with my golf swing was to understand weight distribution. I tried to keep everything in the neutral position because I thought this balanced position was the key to hitting the ball straight. After realizing that this was not the case, I transition to making a slight weight transition from the inside of my trail leg to the inside of my lead leg. This help a bit with my swing, but I found that I was still not maximizing my distance potential. Now, I have a bit more of a weight shift (distribution) in my swing, but do not think it is enough to really hit the ball a long way. It is important to note that depending on the club we are hitting, the weight distribution will change. Talk about a challenging subject when we do not have the fundamental details to what is considered successful. If you are wondering where your swing weight shift stands then there is video below that explains everything.
Continue readingWeight Distribution in golf
Weight Distribution in Your Golf Swing
Weight distribution is very important to a consistent golf swing. Through the years, I have experimented with all different aspects of weight distribution. Recently, I widened my stance because of a tip from a PGA Tour Canada golfing professional. This small adjustment increased my power and conversely increased my distance off the tee. Additionally, by widening my stance, the issue of weight distribution re-emerged.
Balance during a golf swing is very important. With proper balance, a player can consistently reproduce the same swing. And consistency is a core fundamental skill required to shoot low scores. After several hours at the driving range, I have determined that the proper weight distribution for my swing occurs when:
- my knees are over my toes
- my shoulders are over my knees
- the inside of my feet are even with my shoulders
- my arms hang straight down and are about 2 inches forward of my body
- before my swing, my weight feels centered at the front part of my arches or ankles
- Finally, during my swing, my weight is transferred from the instep of my back foot to the instep of my front foot
This may all sound familiar and it is. By standing as outlined above, I feel like my body is in a natural stance. When in this position, I hit consistently and hit the ball further off the tee. Also, if I am not in this position, I notice it immediately when I swing the club. Sometimes I fall forward, backward and even sideways if my weight distribution is off.
This is a great drill to help determine the proper feel of your weight distribution during your golf swing.
A good video explaining weight distribution created by a good set up. Their explanation is simple to understand and easy to duplicate.
Finally, Jim McLean talks about keeping your weight distributed on the inside of your arches during your golf swing.
Weight distribution is very important to a consistent golf swing. By controlling your weight distribution, you will lower your score and improve your over all consistency off the tee.
I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!
Chipping to Lower Your Golf Score
Chipping to lower your golf score is the goal of all golfers! For most amateurs chipping the ball during a round of golf, having a tap in putt helps lower their score very quickly. Recently, one of my normal playing partners shot 78 by getting up and down 6 times out of 7 during his round of golf. Although capable of shooting in the 70s most of the time, he has been plagued with challenging putts as a result of not chipping the ball close to the hole when given the opportunity. His challenge is one that most amateurs face every time they hit the links!
Previously, posts on club selection, chipping drills, and course management have outlined some of the concepts of chipping the ball close to lower your golf score. These are great points, but do not really discuss the mechanics of chipping. The “how to” chip is fundamental to beginner and intermediate players because saving strokes around the green is important to breaking 100, 90, or 80.
Derek Hooper has a fantastic video on chipping. Additionally, he is a great resource for other golfing techniques because he explains the golfing process in a manner that is clear and easy to follow.
The video discusses how to consistently chip close. However, three points during the video need to emphasized. For consistent, successful chipping, pay attention too:
Keeping Your Head Still – Most miss hits are caused by extra movement in the upper body. As amateurs, we have the tendency to try and help the ball to the hole. The extra movement in the upper body will change the contact position of the club on the ball (resulting in topping or sculling the ball), hitting the ball fat (club hits the ground before the ball) or scooping the ball (sometimes known as a chilli dip). Keeping your head still will prevent additional upper body movement, thereby increasing the effectiveness of your chipping.
Weight Distributed on the Lead Foot – Having 80% of your weight on your lead foot is critical to solid chipping. The important aspect of this weight distribution is to keep your knees bent slightly and to have your weight distributed over the whole lead foot. Sometimes, amateurs will lean so the weight is on either the inside or outside of their foot. To build a strong foundation, keep the weight evenly distributed on the lead foot.
Keeping your Hands Ahead of the Ball – On contact, the hands need to be ahead of the ball slightly. Also, while following through, avoid breaking your wrists! It is important to let the hands lead the chip because it promotes crisp, solid and repeatable contact. Locked wrists also ensure that the ball is contacted first before the follow through, which allows for spin to be placed on the ball.
It is important to practice chipping. It is more important to practice focused chipping. By following these chipping tips, strokes will be saved during your round. Chipping the ball effectively is a great way to lower your score and have more fun while playing golf!
I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!
The Grateful Golfer 