Golf is a game of feel–work on reproducing the feel, not on reproducing specific positions

Most of us do not put much work into reproducing a ‘feel’. We work on reproducing certain ‘positions’ –  both during the backswing and during our ‘through’ swing. This effort does not translate into a repeatable swing. The correct swing is a result of a correct setup – which includes ‘correct feel’. Until your setup routine culminates in a familiar ‘feel’ as its final result, you will not be able to produce a repeatable swing.

On the Driving Range

Instead of practicing technical positions (flat wrist on bacskwing etc…), you would be much better served by practicing a certain feel – i.e. trying to reproduce a certain feel. While certain checkpoints can be helpful, you only need checkpoints if your swing is not based on feel. In other words, if your feel is correct (see below),. your swing will automatically hit the right positions on the back (and down) swing.

What FEEL should I work on?

The correct feel should allow you to ‘throw’ your weight back – catch it with your right side – and throw it forward again – catching it with your left side.

If you hold a sack of flour in your palms – and practice throwing that back – and through again – you will get close to the feel needed for the golf swing. Try and stay glued to the ground – i.e. – try and not lose your footing while you practice this throwing motion.

Summary

If you simply practice the throwing motion described above, you will learn to set up to the ball with just that motion in mind. Your body will be primed for the ‘throw’. This priming of the body is the right ‘feel’ – it is hard to have a better setup position than this.  It will provide a full weight shift going back – and a full weight transfer going forward.  In the actual golf swing , think about throwing out to the right, instead of straight down the line. The golf arc is such that , if you start rightwards (right field), the clubface will square up at the bottom of the swing!