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Retaining
Your Spine Angle
by Jerry King, PGA
Head Teaching Professional
Kapalua Golf Academy
When you look at that PGA Tour golf swing and the athletic
posture appears to stay the same from setup through impact, the player is "retaining
his spine angle." This dynamic motion makes room for the arms, hands and
clubhead to freely accelerate and release through impact, thus creating optimum
clubhead speed.
Here is a great drill to achieve this feeling: without
a club, place your rear on a wall and simulate a balanced address position with
your hands in clapping position. Let your right arm and hand swing and
fold about halfway back, then clap your left hand while stopping at impact. At
the start of the downswing, begin clearing your hips through impact keeping your
rear brushing the wall. Keeping your eyes focused on a spot on the ground, you
should finish with your hands together at impact and your belt buckle to the target.
You will notice the left hip finishes touching the wall. Repeat this several
times when practicing -- before, during, and after hitting balls.
This will enhance your power as well as consistency at impact.
This simple drill also allows you to begin feeling how the leg and torso muscles
are being utilized in the golf swing: abs, lats, oblique, glutes, etc. Train
this drill at home, and let your athlete trust it out on the golf course!
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