[EdZ]

edz,
i recently discovered that i hit the ball really well when i slightly open the clubface at address and rotate the left forearm through impact. the flight tends to be slightly right to left. also, i have strengthened my left hand grip only after adjusting the clubface in the open position. any thoughts?
is this acceptable? edz, i always appreciate your thoughts and advice.
jimmydean

Yes, with a horizontal hinge action you generally want to have the clubface a few degrees open at address. In fact, one of the better ways to learn horizontal hinge is to setup with the clubface even more open, which really puts your attention on that forearm rotation through and has the benefit of focusing your attention a bit more on the inside corner of the ball (because the clubface is 'looking' that direction when slightly open, and because a proper address has the club soled with the ball slightly towards the toe).

One word of caution however is that you must still maintain Rhythm. Turn through with the same 'RPM', keeping the hands and chest moving through together.

The 'roll' should be smoooooooth and heavy. One long, slow swivel from the top to finish. So while it IS very helpful to 'over do' this rotation as you learn it, to roll as fast and as hard as you can - it is harmful to play that way long term. Let CF and Balance be your guide.

There is also a direct relationship with the strength of your grip and the amount of effort you put into that roll of the forearm. Keep that flat left wrist, and CF will show you the 'right amount' of grip strength in the left hand. One of the better ways to see this is to grip the club as your arm hangs at your left side, or even better still grip it at impact fix! That is generally the best amount of grip strength in the left hand grip.

Remember to 'MONITOR THE HANDS' and you will find the proper Rhythm fairly quickly.