Ten Extra Yards

By By Mike McGetrick
Rockies Golf Daily Staff Writer

Many golfers have a poor impact position which is characterized by the arms being pulled in towards the body with the left arm in a "chicken wing" position.

As a result, their golf shots lack power and consistency. A good way for a golfer to improve his/her impact position and to get the proper extension with their arms through impact is to practice using the following half swing drill.

For this drill, the golfer should use an eight, seven, or six iron. The backswing should be one half of a full backswing which will be defined as the left arm being parallel to the ground with the wrists fully hinged.

In the forward swing, the golfer should focus on the body and arms moving together instead of the arms and hands getting ahead of the body and producing the "chicken wing" position.

The goal for the finish position is to have the body facing the target with both arms fully extended in front of the body. The arms, hands, and club should be about waist high. It is much easier to feel and develop a proper impact position by practicing with half swings.

The half swings will gradually improve the golfer's full swing impact position.

Mike McGetrick is a staff writer for Rockies Golf Daily. E-mail him at publisher@rockiesgolf.com.

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