The Golf Swing – Not Quite as Easy as It Sounds
When golfers talk about their “golf swing” they are really speaking of several different types of swings. Golf swings are often perfected at golf schools. Every golf swing has three important phases – the wind up, impact, and follow through. There are also five different types of golf swings that need to be mastered to play a solid round of golf.
Three Vital Phases of a Golf Swing
The first phase of a golf swing is the wind up. This is where the club is drawn back to begin the downward swing toward the ball. How the club is raised and “cocked” for the swing can affect the final result of the completed swing positively or negatively. If the vital first phase is ignored, you are only courting disaster.
The second phase of a golf swing is the impact. The club head is propelled downward to strike (impact) the golf ball to send it on its way toward the desired target. The impact phase of the golf swing can be even trickier than either the wind up or the follow through. If the ball is not struck squarely, there is no chance of solid and desirable result.
The third phase of a golf swing is the follow through. You might think that once the ball is struck there is nothing left to do. That thinking would be incorrect. Proper follow through will definitely help to ensure your ball goes farther and more on target than if you simply quit or give up on following through after impact.
Five Different Required Golf Swings
- The drive off the tee is your first golf swing. Most driving is for distance and larger clubs are used for this swing. Driving is the most powerful swing used and is one of the harder swings to control.
- Another important golf swing is required when using a wedge. Wedges are utilized for sand traps and shorter distance shots. Your swing has to be modified to properly execute swinging a wedge club.
- When performing a pitch you will use yet another modified golf swing. Pitching requires you to lift your ball over some obstacle to get to the green. All three phases of your swing are critical to your success.
- Chipping requires yet one more type of golf swing. Chipping is a short distance shot that requires a lot less loft than when pitching. You will modify your swing to perform this shot well.
- The final golf swing to be mastered is putting. Putting does require the same phases as the other swings: wind up, impact, and follow through. Putting is the most challenging part of golf for most golfers.
You can get instruction on the different golf swings at many golf schools. There are hundreds of golf schools available. When making a choice between golf schools, you will need to determine your budget, the curriculum, and the instructors. You may have some great golf schools in your area, or you may have to travel to go to one of the better golf schools. The duration of instruction from golf schools is usually over a few days to a week. Golf schools tend to concentrate on all aspects of your game and not just your swing. Try looking in your favorite golf magazine for listings for golf schools. Many of the better golf schools advertise in almost every golf magazine.
Do not overlook that golf magazine you subscribe to as a source of great golf tips on each type of golf swing. Examples of a good golf magazine are: Golf Digest, Golf Magazine, Gold World, and Golf Week. If you don’t subscribe to a golf magazine, you should now.
