Correct set up and grip by Darren Steels PGA Professional

Correct set up and grip by Darren Steels PGA Professional

Lesson 2 – Mel Oates (Handicap 19)

Today’s session was to check the correct set up with a mid-iron and to discuss the use of recording stats.

After discussing Mel’s shot pattern and ball flight I watched Mel hit a number of shots. From this feedback I noted the following things (please note Mel is a left hander);

 

1, The left hand grip position was too strong (the v formed between trigger finger and thumb was pointing outside of the left shoulder)

2, The body alignment was closed (aiming left of the target for a left hand golfer)

With a strong grip the swing was affected by the club face rotating inwards (closing too much) this in turn gave a reduced back swing length and ultimately a shortened flat ball flight.

The shot pattern was a push (Straight left and a draw).

Corrections

1, I asked Mel to grip the club more in his fingers with his left hand, this allowed the wrist to hinge easier on the back swing giving a square club face position seen here at the half way position.

The ball flight became higher with more carry.

2,We used alignment sticks to find the parallel set up position (a common fault is that a lot of people try to aim their body at the target instead of the club face) the line of the body (feet, knees, hips  and shoulders) should all be slightly right of the target line. Looking down a railway line is a good way of picturing this (left hand track is the club to target line and the right hand track is the line of the body – left hand golfer remember).

This is the correct alignment position for a right hand golfer

 

 

                                                                                                                                                             

Recording stats during or after your game

We also discussed today the recording of stats and how this information can be of use to golfers of all abilities.

 

Mel is going to record the following stats over the next few weeks.

 

Fairways hit

Greens hit in regulation

Short game saves (Pitching & chipping)

Sand saves

Total number of putts

 

We are going to use this information to find patterns during play and to highlight strengths and weaknesses to work on. I will go into more detail next time when we have Mel’s stats.

 

Congratulations Mel on reaching the winter league final with your partner Paul a great achievement from the 60 pairs that started the competition!

Darren Steels
PGA Professional