A good teacher hopes to keep a student from making the same mistakes that he or she made in the past. We certainly don't have time to talk about all of my past mistakes, so here's just one of them. I was taught to have a flat left wrist at the top, which was, seemingly, good information. After all, it is a Basic Imperative. So, for years, I went to the top and checked my left wrist to make sure it was flat. The grip was never mentioned. And as a result, I had my left hand considerably turned on the grip (so called, "strong" - seeing at least two or three knuckles).
So, the question is: Which wrist is "flat"?
And, here's the source of major confusion: Both are "flat".
When we speak of "flat" in TGM, we're referring to the wrist being geometrically flat. In other words, the left arm flying wedge must operate in it's own vertical plane of motion by cocking and uncocking the left wrist. However, for every degree of turn in the left hand on the grip, the same amount of bend should occur at the top.
Here's the way to see it:
Take a dowel in the left hand and hold the left hand vertical to the ground. Cock and uncock the left wrist and the dowel will move vertically. Now, grab the dowel with a turned left hand (palm facing the ground). Move the dowel in the same vertical plane of motion and you'll see the left wrist bending.
Therefore, don't ever tell Fred Couples that his left wrist has to be flat at the top, unless you want him to hit a boomerang to the left. He's a great example of a "flat" but bent left wrist. (Ripley's) Believe it, or not.
Man you shoulda wrote this months ago......the differences in "flat" can be very confusing.....especially when you read different things all over the place.
I was very confused about this for a while.....and I had the hooks for a while.....
I was very confused about this for a while.....and I had the hooks for a while.....
Flying Wedges are the key to understanding.......
This should be 'sticky'....required reading.
I wish that hooks were all I hit. I was able to hit circles! You know you're having a problem when you can hook a SW 50 yards! And, that's what I was able to do. I wish I knew then what I know now, but don't we all....
A good teacher hopes to keep a student from making the same mistakes that he or she made in the past. We certainly don't have time to talk about all of my past mistakes, so here's just one of them. I was taught to have a flat left wrist at the top, which was, seemingly, good information. After all, it is a Basic Imperative. So, for years, I went to the top and checked my left wrist to make sure it was flat. The grip was never mentioned. And as a result, I had my left hand considerably turned on the grip (so called, "strong" - seeing at least two or three knuckles).
So, the question is: Which wrist is "flat"?
And, here's the source of major confusion: Both are "flat".
When we speak of "flat" in TGM, we're referring to the wrist being geometrically flat. In other words, the left arm flying wedge must operate in it's own vertical plane of motion by cocking and uncocking the left wrist. However, for every degree of turn in the left hand on the grip, the same amount of bend should occur at the top.
Here's the way to see it:
Take a dowel in the left hand and hold the left hand vertical to the ground. Cock and uncock the left wrist and the dowel will move vertically. Now, grab the dowel with a turned left hand (palm facing the ground). Move the dowel in the same vertical plane of motion and you'll see the left wrist bending.
Therefore, don't ever tell Fred Couples that his left wrist has to be flat at the top, unless you want him to hit a boomerang to the left. He's a great example of a "flat" but bent left wrist. (Ripley's) Believe it, or not.
Ted,
This is ABSOLUTELY PREMIUM CONTENT righ here! You are drilling down on the REAL MEAT AND TATERS dude.
I have 1 request and 1 question . . .
QUESTION: Can you speak to Lee Buck's Turned Grip BUT the Arched Left Wrist at the Top? He don't hit no lefties. I know that the Golfing Machine can explain this. What's your take?
REQUEST: How about a picture of your paws showing people what LEVEL is. I think this is a concept that people just don't get. It is mighty important.
This post should be copied and clipped in everyone's book.
Nice job! You rock! First the 7 with the right shoulder now this. You are my golf hero.
The Lee Buck question is pretty simple to answer. It's the same answer for David Duval and Lee Trevino.
They played the game "shut-faced" to borrow a term from SftPS (I know it's not a very popular book in TGM circles, but I really feel think it's a solid manual to follow.). What that means is they take a strong grip, a flat left wrist and much less supination and pronation than a typical technique. Essentially, they are blocking off hooks and hit powerfades all day long.
This is (imho) the most accurate way to swing.
Also, I don't believe hooks have much to do with having your wrist flat or bowed or arched at the top, regardless of your grip. In essence, regardless of your grip, your hands will have opened to the same degree. this does not mean they open the same amount however, just that the left hand/wrist will turn to [EDIT(typo) address] the swing plane regardless of grip (ie a weak grip will open more than a strong grip). On the way down, your natural inclination is to rotate the hands/clubface the FULL 90* regardless of grip. The result? Hooks with a strong grip.
Therefore the assumption is that a flat left wrist + strong grip = closed clubface. that's not really true because the bending of the wrists can in no way open or close the clubface (we can all agree there). This leaves us in a strange place: if the clubface pointing skyward at the top isn't really closed, why does the ball hook? that answer is a bit of conjecture, but mine is this: the unbending of the left wrist/bending of the right makes it harder for the right to work back "on top" of the left (and vise versa), which is the same motion as closing the clubface. (I need a better term than working back on top...do you guys know what I'm trying to say?)
The Lee Buck question is pretty simple to answer. It's the same answer for David Duval and Lee Trevino.
They played the game "shut-faced" to borrow a term from SftPS (I know it's not a very popular book in TGM circles, but I really feel think it's a solid manual to follow.). What that means is they take a strong grip, a flat left wrist and much less supination and pronation than a typical technique. Essentially, they are blocking off hooks and hit powerfades all day long.
This is (imho) the most accurate way to swing.
Also, I don't believe hooks have much to do with having your wrist flat or bowed or arched at the top, regardless of your grip. In essence, regardless of your grip, your hands will have opened to the same degree. this does not mean they open the same amount however, just that the left hand/wrist will turn to adjust the swing plane regardless of grip (ie a weak grip will open more than a strong grip). On the way down, your natural inclination is to rotate the hands/clubface the FULL 90* regardless of grip. The result? Hooks with a strong grip.
Therefore the assumption is that a flat left wrist + strong grip = closed clubface. that's not really true because the bending of the wrists can in no way open or close the clubface (we can all agree there). This leaves us in a strange place: if the clubface pointing skyward at the top isn't really closed, why does the ball hook? that answer is a bit of conjecture, but mine is this: the unbending of the left wrist/bending of the right makes it harder for the right to work back "on top" of the left (and vise versa), which is the same motion as closing the clubface. (I need a better term than working back on top...do you guys know what I'm trying to say?)
Good analysis. Bending the Left Wrist closes the clubface and makes its alignment erratict. Arching the Left Wrist actually OPENS the clubface . . . Hogan Fades Trevino fades etc.
I think you are spot on on teh "right hand working on top." Basically it's easier to keep your Right Forearm from being too high and pointing outside the Plane Line.
It may be a little leap, but both of those pictures imply that the left hand is holding the club more in the fingers and not under the pad of the left hand. Certainly the thumb is "short" and not extended down the aft side of the shaft.
Can you speak to Lee Buck's Turned Grip BUT the Arched Left Wrist at the Top? He don't hit no lefties. I know that the Golfing Machine can explain this. What's your take?
Good analysis. Bending the Left Wrist closes the clubface and makes its alignment erratict. Arching the Left Wrist actually OPENS the clubface . . . Hogan Fades Trevino fades etc.
I think you are spot on on teh "right hand working on top." Basically it's easier to keep your Right Forearm from being too high and pointing outside the Plane Line.
Nice post.
Oh I get what he was saying now....
Ya good post man....
You initially lost me with that "hand on top" part.....but I get it now.
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