GETTING THE PROPER ANGLE

By Ed Oldham
Head pro, The Ranch Country Club

"The only purpose of the golf swing is to move the club through the ball square to the target at maximum speed," English golf instructor John Jacobs said. "How this is done is of no significance at all, so long as the method employed enables it to be done repetitively."

That quote sums up the essence of the golf swing. When we watch Tour professionals on television, we see a variety of swings that are successful. The ball "understands" one thing: The angle of the clubface at impact, the direction the club is moving, the angle of the clubhead's approach and the clubhead's speed.

The most important factor is the clubface angle. An incorrect clubface angle will cause errors in other impact conditions. For example: If the clubface is open at impact, the ball finishes right of the target. The golfer then will swing instinctively outside-to-inside, producing a steep angle of attack. A closed clubface has the opposite effect.

To find your best swing, make sure your grip will allow you to return the clubface to square at impact. The direction of your swing should be in relation to the target.

Keep in mind the golf swing is a tilted circle. The ball is on the ground, so swinging the club up and down is important. You also are standing to the side of the ball, and the club must swing around you. The circular motion provides rotation. Make practice swings while feeling the rotation of the arms.