The Downswing
Getting Your Club Square at Impact

The downswing, in lesson eight we talked about getting the golf club back in one piece in the correct position, in this lesson we shall concentrate on the downswing, going through the golf swing mechanics to make sure you get the golf club square on impact.

In the downswing you have reached the point of no return! This is it full on, no holding back, you're in full swing mode. The right arm is unfolding, and the left hip has moved an inch or two towards the target before turning out of the way.

Golf Swing Tip:

Always commit to your shot, once you've made up your mind commit fully to your shot, no second thoughts!

The golf club must remain on the same path it went back on, the path is a slight arc going back down into the back of the golf ball. The only way you can remain on this path is to start the right arm first, then the rest of the body will follow. If the right shoulder starts first in the downswing, you will swing outside the arc, and if the left hip starts the downswing you will swing inside the arc. The combination of the left hip turning out of the way, with the right shoulder and arms following will keep you on the same path as your back swing.

Golf Swing Tip:

Keep your eyes on the ball, don't start to move your head up until your right shoulder touches your chin.

As the force of the arms swinging down the lower part of the body is moving out of the way. The right knee will move towards the target, and the right heel will come of the ground, the left knee is also about to get involved.

The left knees function is to distribute the force from the downswing and maintain a strong foundation for a solid finish.

At impact the left arm is long, the left arm has turned out of way, and your bottom half has moved back towards the address position. The right arm is now long, the right shoulder and head are slightly behind the golf ball, and your right heel is off of the ground.

If you have practiced and done this correctly the club face will be closing as you swing the golf club back down on the same path. Getting the golf club square at impact is all about 'releasing' the golf club. This happens as the right hand rolls over the left hand near impact. At the top of the back swing the left hand is on top of the right hand, as you swing down, your right hand will roll over the left hand and remain on top of the left hand through to the finish.

The 'release' takes place just before impact, and will insure
your club face is closed at impact. Releasing the golf club also has a lot to do with timing. Timing is when all moving parts are in unison, moving as one in 'perfect timing'. This can only be achieved with lots of practice, getting out on the range and hitting hundreds of golf balls.