Welcome to Play Smarta regular GOLF.com game improvement column that will help you become a smarter and better golfer.
I have become very militant about my practice routine this winter. In the past, I’ve gone to the simulator maybe once a week to get in some attacks, but this year, I decided to up the intensity. Every week since November, I’ve made it my goal to hit balls at least three days a week. That might not sound like a ton, but when you’re in NYC, it’s quite the commitment.
This has been great for learning about my golf swing. Whereas I used to rely entirely on feel to build my swing, I now have a much better grasp of technique—and how certain movements affect my ball strike.
One of the most important things I’ve learned is that the way I Start the swings are quite flawed. Like me start my takeI usually rotate my hip back too quickly. Instructor Justin Kraft posted a great video illustrating this flaw recently, which you can see below.
This is a flaw that affects many golfers and can lead to all sorts of issues. When I do this, the club has a tendency to sink in a little bit, and then once I get to P3 (lead arm parallel to the ground) I can’t get back with my hips. To compensate, I have to raise my hands at the top of the swing. From there, I struggle to deliver the ball with the right angle of attack and have an inconsistent low point, both of which are essential to consistently hitting the ball.
So what is the fix? It all starts with the sequence in which you turn at the top of the backbend.
As Justin explains in the video above, you should focus on rotating your chest away from the target first and then bringing your hips back. If you do this, you’ll start your swing with the proper sequence and be in a much better position to hit the ball hard.
Divot Board
The Divot Board is a revolutionary golf training aid that gives players instant feedback on every swing. By showing exactly where your club contacts the ground, the Divot Board makes it easy to spot mistakes and correct them on the spot. Whether you’re practicing indoors or outdoors, this tool helps you improve your ball strike, swing path, and low-point control. With continued use, the Divot Board builds muscle memory so you can hit the ball better, hit fairer shots and lower your scores. Instant Feedback for Faster Learning Research shows that instant feedback can speed up learning by 50-70%. The Divot board provides real-time feedback on your movement so you can make quick adjustments and perfect your technique instantly. Improve Consistency Did you know that 70-80% of golfers struggle with inconsistent contact? The Divot board reveals exactly where your club hit the surface, helping you identify flaws and build a repeatable and reliable swing. Train Anywhere Compact and portable, the Divot Board can be used at home, on the highway, or even in the office. Its high-quality construction ensures durability through countless practice sessions. Proudly designed and assembled in the USA. Consistent use of a Divot Board will transform your practice routine. It’s the easiest way to gain awareness, develop better ball shots and see results faster.
View Product
