Important in a Golf Shot If there is any one thing that is important in a golf shot, it is the way in which the left hand works. As a matter of fact, it will be learned that the left hand action is the very crux of every golf shot. Actually, the left hand has a triple duty in a golf shot:
(1) creating or determining the position of the club will be in during the swing.
(2) keeping the club in the desired position.
(3) bringing the club into and through the ball. Now, the proper position of the left hand on the club is as follows: the hand is more or less on top of the shaft. When it is in the proper position, three knuckles of the left hand are in clear view when the player looks down at his hand and the left thumb is at a point more or less behind the shaft. All this happens naturally, if the shaft of the club is tilted forward slightly when it is placed to the ball. By comparison, if the shaft is placed incorrectly, that is, straight up and down, then the left hand will automatically shift to a point in front of the handle instead of on top. Only one knuckle, instead of three, will be in view and the thumb will be right on top of the shaft. This is a weak position of the left hand. Carried to extremes, the correct position, with the left hand on top, would tend to produce hook shots, whereas, the incorrect position, with the left hand too far in front, would tend to produce slice shots. So much for Step 1 of the position. Step 2—Place feet in position. The proper place to stand is in a position where the ball will be opposite the left heel. A line running from the ball to the inside part of the left heel will be at right angles to the line of the shot. The feet should be so placed that the toes of both feet are parallel to the line of the shot. This position is to be assumed on all shots and with all clubs. Of course, there are exceptions to this rule and these will be indicated later; however, the basic rule is that the ball is always played opposite the left heel with all clubs (the position is not changed for each club). The reason that the ball is played opposite the left foot is very clear. In order to raise the club to the top of the swing when making the stroke, the player should use the right side of his body. In order to accomplish this, the weight must be on the right foot. When the player brings the club down into and through the ball, the player should use his left side, and in order to use the left side the weight must be on the left foot. Therefore, as the ball is being hit, the player will be balanced on his left foot. |
