DO THIS Turn is one of those basic terms in golf that should have a clear meaning, but average players often interpret it differently than skilled players. It should mean creating a differential in movement between the lower body and upper body. It’s crucial to creating and storing power. To learn how to turn, place a club across your chest and rotate away from the target as much as you can while staying in your golf posture ( left ). Your left shoulder should move down while your right shoulder goes up and behind you. Don’t lock off your hips; let them rotate some, too. It should feel like you’re turning your torso into your right hip socket. Because of this, your right heel might even rise.
NOT THAT Average players think they’re making a quality turn, but they’re shifting, not turning. Note the difference between this position ( above ) compared to a quality turn. Instead of rotating my shoulders over my hips, I’ve shifted them away from the target without really rotating my body at all. This is a mistake I see a lot in average player’s backswings. Another is rising out of address posture, with the arms folding behind the body. There’s little chance of creating power or making solid contact when you “turn” this way. Getting some real turn – however much your body allows – is far better for overall sequencing than any amount of over- shifting or arm folding.
GOLF DIGEST SOUTH AFRICA 97
JULY/AUGUST 2024
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