End of year review

It's now 5 1/2 years since I set out to change my swing and, at last, I'm fairly happy with my swing.

I think I've narrowed down a few key elements of the swing that have got me to this place, and I'll summarise them as follows:

1. Get the club on plane on the backswing - there's insufficient time, including practice time, for the average player to correct major backswing faults on the downswing. The best advice I've had is 'point the handle of the club at the ball or ball line on the backswing'. This creates a backswing position that is less likely to be too long or full, and makes it easier to find the correct swing plane angle (not too flat; not too upright) for most people. As I said, If the backswing is basically correct, the downswing is a lot easier. A good set up can also be important here in promoting a good backswing - try to brace and align correctly - it all helps.

2. I now like to set up with a strong grip - ie. hands (primarily the left or top hand) rotated away from the target. This helps me close the clubface at contact and reduces the need for a full release or roll-over of the wrists at contact. I habitually hold onto the club and fail to release my wrists, something that I found impossible to overcome. Consequently, I fought a slice or big fade for many years. So, I found that reducing the need to release was an easier solution. Plenty of top players adopt a strong grip and claim that it also generates more power in the swing. That might be true, but my aim was to achieve a squarer clubface at contact. The pitfalls are there: smothering, pulls, and hooks (if you do release). But I think on balance it is a better option for the average player who has less time or inclination to practice.

3. This is an old hobby-horse, and it will not go away because it is so important. This is the need to swing at a regular, smooth, unhurried (call it what you will) rhythm. This applies to all clubs in the bag and all shots. Each player will have there own rhythm - some faster, some slower - but the key thing to look or feel for is 'does the swing feel unhurried?' If it does, that is probably your best rhythm - that will allow you to shift your weight and turn correctly and keep your balance (important indicators of a good rhythm). My rhythm is fairly slow and I work on keeping it that way; sometimes I even succeed. That's when I hit good shots; it's a great feeling.

That's it, these are my three main keys - Plane, Grip and Rhythm. Another golfing year lies ahead to work on them - can't wait.