What it promotes
Keeping the left arm straight promotes a full swing amplitude. Indeed, by pushing the hands farthest away from the body, you are forcing your hands to travel the most distance during your swing.
What it tries to cure
Golfers who have a tendency to over rotate at the top of the swing may benefit from incorporating this feature into their game. Indeed, some golfers will resort to bending the elbow when they reach a point where they can’t turn any farther. Oftentimes, this results in over-extension, and ultimately in shot inconsistency.
Why it works
Because your left elbow is not allowed to vary its flex, it is much easier for your mind to keep track of what it is doing and to know how it is positioned at every step of the swing.
When is it most useful?
This golf tip can be incorporated into most swings. Indeed, there are no shots that really benefit from your left elbow bending at the top of the swing.
When to ignore?
Golfers of a certain age whose flexibility is no longer what it used to be often resort to bending the left elbow a little bit. This helps them coil further in order to compensate for what would otherwise be a too narrow swing and it helps them gain yardages. In such instances, allowing the elbow to ‘give’ a little is fine.
What causes a player to turn their body and shoulders too far inside the swing plane?
Complete locking of the left arm causes many players to turn their whole body and shoulders too far inside the swing plane. The only way they can then get any height in their arms at the top of the backswing is to lift them up, which in turn can create some poor movements – such as an over-the-top slice – during the downswing.
When is the next golf tournament in 2021?
January 29, 2021. June 21, 2021. As amateur golfers, one of the most common pieces of advice you’ll likely receive from other players – especially when you’re new to the game – is that in order to make a good swing, you must keep your lead arm straight at all costs. So, for right-handed players that means keeping your left arm straight, ...
How to keep your left arm straight in golf?
Keeping your left arm straight during the swing requires the proper grip, arm swing, downswing path and body turn. Learn these fundamentals and you will consistently be able to create a powerful swing.
Where should the V point on a golf club?
The "v" formed by your left thumb and index finger should point toward your right shoulder. Grip the club in the fingers of your right hand with the right pinky finger overlapping the index and middle finger of the left hand. This grip will give you leverage to hinge your wrists while keeping your left arm straight.
Who is John Wagner?
John Wagner is a certified golf instructor and professional golfer with more than 10 years of experience. As a certified GolfTEC, TPI Level 3 and Chuck Cook Golf Instructor, he has given more than 9,000 golf lessons.
Should your left arm be straight?
The left arm should be straight at the top of the backswing . One common phrase heard around driving ranges and golf courses is "keep your left arm straight.". This advice can help right-handed golfers create power in their swings. Most golfers, however, don't know the fundamentals that allow you to keep your left arm straight in a golf swing.
How to swing a golf club backwards?
Swing the club back with your shoulders and begin hinging your wrists. Keep your left arm extended as you turn your shoulders and hinge your wrists. Stop your backswing when your left shoulder is under your chin and your arms are slightly higher than your shoulders .
