Go with the flow

By T.J. TOMASI

As you swing back to the ball from the top, your pelvis should be sliding toward the target because it leads the weight flow onto your front hip, then it fires toward the target. If you stop your core half-way to the ball, your swing sequence is disrupted, and it becomes impossible to keep your hands ahead of the clubhead, so you release the club early with a weak, slapping action.

You see this in golfers who “stop to hit,” but you don’t see it in good players, who keep their core moving through impact.

Your golf swing is a system for moving force around. Once the flow is in motion, everything that is moving should keep on moving until it can move no more.

How will you know if you keep everything moving in your swing? Make a video of your swing and look for two straight arms.

Both Arms Straight

There is only one time during the swing when both arms are straight, and that’s just after impact. It’s a key checkpoint you can use to determine the sequence and flow of your swing.

It’s impossible to keep your arms fully extended if your core has not done its job. It’s a good idea to pose with both arms straight in the post-impact position with the butt of the club pointing at your belly button. Then make some swings in slow motion, concentrating on keeping everything moving.