Right Elbow, Forearm at the top

[golfball323]

Right now at the top of my backswing, my right forearm is perpendicular to the ground (ala tiger). In a previous thread that I started, Brian said that he preferred better players to allow that elbow to be pointing back behind the player (ala Vijay).

Could somebody explain why this change would be helpful to me. I am a scratch golfer and a very straight hitter, but I tend to hit a lot of thin shots that wreck a lot of birdie opportunities. My short game saves my rear end a lot!

What could I do to help get that elbow pointed back behind me?

Thanks!

 

[tbyeaton0627]

structure, support...think legs on a stool..let it move up the plane, dont try and keep it close to your body

 

[chrisfx811]

So having the rear forearm more parallel with the spine angle is preferred?

 

[dashfan87]

I too have a perpendicular forearm at the top of my swing, and when I allow my elbow to get too far behind me, ala more of the SD1 pattern, I have more of a tendency to hit fat shots...
Suggestions, comments on why?