I think we all can relate to the difference between a punch and
a slap. A slap has an open palm and a glancing type blow compared
to a close fisted punch on a direct line.
Hitting a golf ball is similar.
I think we all can relate to the difference between a punch and a slap. A slap has an open palm and a glancing type blow compared to a close fisted punch on a direct line.
Hitting a golf ball is similar.
If you slice the ball, you are cutting across the ball with an open clubface and hitting the ball with a glancing blow. We all would like to hit the ball on a direct line therefore achieve solid impact with the clubface on the ball.
To help with this make sure your club never goes “outside the target line”. The target line is the imaginary line that points directly at the target. It starts a few feet behind the ball and stretches all the way to the target. When you place your clubhead behind the ball, the target line will be an inch or so outside the toe of the club.
When you swing, the clubhead should never go on the other side of that line. It should always stay on the same side the ball is on. When you go outside the line, it will cause you to cut across the ball with the glancing blow we are taliking about.
A swing that stays inside the line will have a more direct hit as the clubhead goes right down that target line after impact. The hit will be much more solid like a punch.
When you practice, lay a string down and pull it nice and tight to represent the target line. It will help you a lot to visually see this. Also, you can then compare your divots to the target line. Are they going parallel to the line like they should, or are they going at an angle?
Remember when all else fails, take a lesson. You’ll be surprised how much we can help.
To schedule a lesson with PGA-certified instructor Don DeLorenzo, call Gilroy GC at 848-0490.
