Left arm - chest connection problems

[cherrybarry]

The only way I can hit a solid shot is if I put pressure on the left side of the chest immediately, usually starting at address, and maintaining it to impact. However, I constantly fight the inside takeaway, which gets the clubface closed, and when i'm playing poorly, I almost always hook the ball.

I know many pros and golfers alike allow for some separation, and then apply the pressure at the top or in the downswing. However, I cannot do this and hit a solid shot. I need that pressure immediately from the start.

To try to clarify, I don't know what Davis Love III is feeling (in regards to left chest pressure), but I think my backswing pretty much resembles his out of all tour pros, as he takes it back with his body and to the inside. (Not to compare my game to DLIII's but more, for clarity.)

I have tried to take it more straightback with some separation between the left arm and chest in an attempt to fight the ocassional duck hook, but I cannot hit a solid shot if I do. Somehow, I cannot recreate that pressure during the swing if it is not there to being with.

This is not a very big problem, but what it leaves me with is a constant thought of rolling the face open early in the takeaway to keep the face square and not closed, which leads to the hooks.

 

[rcw]

If you are using an horizontal hinge you need to get the quarter turn with the left wrist which will load you for a horizontal hinge(full roll), if you only cock and do not turn the left wrist then you are using single wrist action which sets you up for angled hinging (half roll) that could cause the hooks if you full roll. Make sure your hinge matches on both sides. As far as takeaway, use a right forearm takeaway and trace the plane line, you can do this while loading pp#4(left arm and chest) the way you like.

 

[densikat]

As far as I can see Davis uses more of the right forearm takeaway that Homer describes.

A drill I have been given to get the feeling of this is a clapping drill.

Basically, you take your address without a club, now bring your hands together like your praying, now take the right hand back to the top and then just clap the left hand. Notice how the right forearm fans and lifts? This is what you want. Now keep that feeling and try it with a club.

When you get this pressure from the start and are using the shoulders to turn back, you are leaning towards pivot-controlled hands.

 

[sbark]

quote:Originally posted by rcw

If you are using an horizontal hinge you need to get the quarter turn with the left wrist which will load you for a horizontal hinge(full roll), if you only cock and do not turn the left wrist then you are using single wrist action which sets you up for angled hinging (half roll) that could cause the hooks if you full roll. Make sure your hinge matches on both sides. As far as takeaway, use a right forearm takeaway and trace the plane line, you can do this while loading pp#4(left arm and chest) the way you like.

Any chance someone can expand on this w/further explanation, or even pics......reference to another thread etc

thanks in advance.....