Posted by Dexter Francois
| Posted in
Bobby Jones,
David Mackenzie,
Golf Courses,
Mike Southern,
My Rounds,
Sam Snead,
Swing Mechanics,
Video Instruction
| Posted on Saturday, January 22, 2011
Since writing this post, I have been using a tip from Sam Snead that is supposed to counteract the amateur golfers tendency to sway during the backswing. Snead suggests that if we tilt our head slightly in the direction of our backswing, it will relieve a lot of the tension in the back and left side that keep us from making a full turn.
I like the way it feels. It has become part of my pre-shot routine and is a trigger for me to begin my swing. I used to sway a lot which resulted in a lot of thinned shots because all of my weight was on my back foot. When I tilt my head, all I have to do is swing around my core, because my head is already in a good position and not fighting against the natural movements of the body.
Below are two videos. The first is Sam Snead explaining how your head position will make all the difference in producing the best shot possible. He mentions that the legendary Bobby Jones used the same technique for every swing. Jones is known to have a free-flowing swing which he accomplished by eliminating all forms of tension during his routine.
The second video is of my swing on the par 3, 17th at Palmetto Golf Course, using a 22 degree hybrid. If you look closely, you will see that I tilt my head at about the :03 mark. It is very subtle, but it is the last thing I do before I start my swing. I do find however, that if I tilt my head too much, I get to steep with the backswing instead of swinging around the body. This brings the dreaded coming over the top move back into play which I have worked so hard to eliminate.
My reaction at the end of the video is due to the fact that I hit the top lip of the bunker which guards the front of the green. It was a nice looking shot, as you can tell from the reaction of my buddy Kevin. Right on the flag as soon as it left the club face. Had it carried just another half inch, it would have funneled down to the hole. So close.
Give this tip a try and see if it works for you. Each of us has our own unique swing. The problem we have is that we allow ourselves to become distracted and tense. Anything that can put us at ease will only help us make a better smooth and rhythmic swing. Have a great round and always hit your target.
Sam Snead photo found here.
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