Left elbow position at address

[ReefBoy]

Hi guys,

I know this might be a really basic question and I am sorry for putting it up but I couldn't find any reference to it. What is the correct position of the left elbow at address?

I have been battling a chicken wing problem for a while now and found out something while hitting balls today. If I changed my left elbow position at address(more internal rotation) it seems to affect the chicken wing. So I wanted some feedback as to wether I am setting up a new swing flaw or this is the correct thing to do.

The position I was using was both elbows turned out 45*(approx), the position I changed was for the left elbow only and I turned it in so the back of the elbow is more or less facing the target.

So which position is more correct?

Christopher

 

[counterfall]

I would want to start with what the causes are for a chicken wing and which one/s you need to work out of your swing. A common cause for the chicken wing is flipping the hands through impact or a bent left wrist through impact. Flipping is usually linked to casting or releasing the wrist angles early in the downswing. Casting, according to Brian Manzella, is a consequence of habitually slicing the ball as it helps in squaring the clubface. Or, you could be over-externally rotating the left upper/lower arm through impact and your brain senses this. You then hold the face from rotating shut by employing the chicken wing.

Setting up with the left elbow facing the target may be a band-aid for a more fundamental issue...Band-aids eventually fall off.
I would search the forum for 'chicken wing' and see what you get.

 

[ReefBoy]

Thanks for the reply. My question isn't so much about the chicken wing but more about the position of the left elbow. Positioning my elbow that way seamed to reduce the chicken wing a lot, but I also seamed to be making a more solid centred contact.

I have been working with a very good golf pro recently on getting my lazy hands to turn over through impact and I would have asked him this question but he is away for a couple of weeks. I just didn't want to ingrain a position I would need to change again because I shouldn't be in that position.

Christopher

 

[counterfall]

Understood. I was just pointing out that this may be a quick fix. But I would question what it is quickly fixing. In other words, what does it make you do differently in your swing and why? I was offering some suggestions to get you thinking about it. That being said, Brian himself seems to set up with relaxed arms, more like you described you were setting up previously. Elbow creases angled 45 degrees internally rotated.
How your left arm rotates toward the top of the backswing and in transition can have significant consequences to your impact quality. Rotating too flat or letting it fall behind you means you would have to steepen your hand path to avoid shanking, for instance (like Sergio does).

Finally, check your grip and make sure it is correct.

Pointing the elbow as you describe may also help you to use less left upper arm rotation to square the club face, obviating the need for the chicken wing move.