Golf Tips » May 2004: For distance, wider is better than longer!

Most of the students I work with seem to think that the longer the swing the further they will hit the ball. The truth of the matter is that a "wider" swing produces more "torque" in the body, allowing the body to "load up" on the back foot, storing up power just waiting to be unleashed at the ball.

In picture #1, the student (in this case my wife Rose) is in a position I see every week at the school. As you can see in an attempt to swing long, the left arm has broken down and the weight is still over on the front foot causing a "reverse pivot".

In order to get into a powerful position, the sternum should be over the back foot.

In picture #2, Rose’s position is good, with the left arm fully extended, the weight over on the back foot and a good shoulder turn which allows her to swing freely through the ball with effortless power. No wonder she hits the ball so far!

Work on this move and you will see almost instant results.