For maximum power and accuracy, you need to get the power of your trunk rotation combined with the speed you apply to the clubhead with your arms and hands. To get accuracy you need to control both the trajectory of the club and the position of the clubface on the ball. You can get both by understanding a few simple things.
When I was in the process of becoming a golf instructor, I was lucky enough to meet a golf instruction legend. An instructor like no other. His name was Mike Austin, and although he is no longer with us, the swing he taught me is still here. Mike set the all-time world record for a long drive, never witnessed in a USGA or PGA-sanctioned professional event, he hit the ball 515 yards at the tender age of 64. The record still stands.
The equipment he used was old fashioned to say the least, a 44″ long steel shaft wood head driver and a rolled Balata ball.
There is no telling how far the ball would have gone with today’s modern equipment, titanium driver, longer graphite shaft, and new “hot” ball. To further boggle the mind, he was trying to win the Senior National Open at the time. The event was witnessed by more than 1,500 people who lined the street.
These are some of the things he taught me that will help you gain distance and accuracy.
1. Never let your left arm rise vertically from the shoulder socket.
2. Never open the blade, feel like you are closing the blade as you rotate backwards.
3. Keep your left arm strapped firmly across your upper left chest.
4. Return your left arm to the ball using your hips.
5. Hit the ball hard with your right hand starting from the top.
6. Let the club swing freely from your wrists.
7. Never roll your arms during impact.
If you follow these rules, your game will take a giant step forward.
Your golf swing will be the envy of your friends.
