A-Z of Power
ABC | DEF | GHI | JKL | MNO | PQR | STU | VWXYZ
D is for Draw
Denis Pugh on why you need one, and how to hit it
Is a draw that important?
Yes, it is. The most penetrative golf shot you can hit starts just slightly right of the target and draws back onto it.
Why does a draw go further than a fade?
Better brains than mine are trying to work this out! One theory says that a draw goes further than a fade is because a fade swing hits down with a steep angle of attack on the ball creating lots of backspin, while a draw swing creates less spin because it has a much shallower angle of attack.
How do you hit a draw?
It is all down to getting your swing path, angle of attack and swing direction correct. If you can combine those three factors, then you can hit a draw. This might sound easy on paper, but it is difficult to achieve for mid and high handicappers who tend to hit the ball out of the neck of the club and swing with slice numbers.
Should amateurs try to develop a draw?
It depends on whether your current level matches your ambition? If it does, stick with what you have. If it doesn’t, then you should try to make a change.
What is the best way of doing this?
The first thing you need to do is find out your swing numbers by getting a lesson on Trackman. It will reveal whether you are a double-digit drawer or fader. If you are, then you are currently hitting a slice or a hook, and this means you have a bad swing path and angle of attack and you are hitting the ball off-centre. If this is the case, then you need to address these problems before moving on and attempting to hit a draw.
And if we discover we are not a double-digit drawer or fader?
It depends on your willingness to take lessons and commit to practising. Every golfer in the world can improve his or her ball-striking by 10%, but it takes a lot of time and effort to do that. If you are willing to make that sacrifice, go out and get that draw. If you are not, stick with what you have.
E is for Exercise
Unleash your untapped power with yogaforgolfers.com
1. Twisting Table pose
Place your right hand on the back of your head with your right elbow extended to the side. Inhale and twist your navel towards the ceiling as far as you can comfortably rotate without moving your hips. Exhale and tuck the right shoulder under the left shoulder, taking the back of the right shoulder toward the ground. Repeat five times on each side.
2. Oblique twists
Adopt the position shown (you can use a golf club or shoe bag instead of a Swiss ball) and roll your spine down towards the ground until you feel your core engage. Pause for a moment before using your core muscles to pull your body back to the start position. If this is too hard, simply hold this position for
five breaths.
3. Warrior III pose
Stand with the feet hip width apart and a golf club in your right hand. Using the club to support you, step forwards with your left foot. Keep the left knee slightly bent and extend the right leg strongly behind you. Once you feel stable, bring the right foot off the ground. You should feel it in your glute and your body should resemble a see-saw.
F is for Fundamentals
Getting the basics right will help you hit it further
“A square strike, with weight and momentum driving forward straight through the ball, is always going to give you your most powerful shot,” says top coach Gareth Johnston. “So use your address position to promote a neutral impact… and a decent weight shift.” This is how to get your fundamentals right.
Pre-set weight shift
A powerful strike sees your weight move back during the takeaway. Prime this at address by dropping your trail shoulder slightly to give your upper body this “leant-away” look. This moves your head – your heaviest part – slightly away from the target, which adds weight on to your back foot. Feel a little extra pressure under the instep of your right foot.
Insteps under shoulders
Your stance width affects how much power you generate – too wide and it’ll restrict your coil; too narrow and you’ll lose lower body resistance and stability. By placing your insteps under your shoulders, you’ll create a stance width that gives you freedom to rotate, while offering a solid base.
Position the ball for a neutral strike
Play the ball under your left armpit. This ball position – at the low point of the swing’s arc – sets up a solid neutral impact, where the club can attack the ball on both a level attack angle, and swinging straight down the line.
Feel weight under your shoe laces
The ability to swing in balance is one of the keys to power – and that starts at address. Feel your feet pressuring the ground straight down through the laces and you’ll find your most balanced position. Your stance should offer maximum resistance to anyone trying to push you off-balance.