Limitations of theory

A good theory is only as good as the results that emerge from its implementation. The results so far from my recent 'hips open' theory have been encouraging, if not conclusive.

I have no doubt that the secret of good ball striking is closely related to the sequencing of the golf swing and this is central to the open hips theory. That is, open hips at impact (to varying degrees, but more than most golfers achieve) is an indicator that the lower body has (correctly) initiated the swing.

Players who predominently use their arms can hit the ball reasonably well and straight, but are losing the additional club head speed provided by proper core body rotation (at the right time).

My view is that players who have not previously managed to sequence their swings effectively in the past need to visualise and then feel their hips open to the target line at impact (say 30 to 45 degrees). This will tend to produce a swing motion that incorporates body rotation through the ball and effectively delays the 'hit' with the arms and hands.

As implied above, however, there are some issues with this theory; including the fact that the timing of the body movements still come down to the skill of the golfer to initiate them at the right time. It is important to know that the hips must be used, but another thing to use them is exactly the right way. Even great golfers occasionally get overactive with their lower body and push the ball, or overactive with their arms and pull / hook the ball. No one has perfect timing - not even Rory.

Having said that, the open hips feeling at impact is, I believe, a feeling worth striving for. It should, of course, be accompanied by a resolution to swing within oneself and swing to the target (not at the ball). Getting these things into one's game are worth a bit of effort and are really not all that hard to work on.

On a completely different subject, I've been having putting issues, mainly with short putts. I've tried some alternative grips (hand holds, not equipment type grips) and concluded that it is not the grip, but the gripper that is the issue. A good green read and a smooth, confident stroke will work no matter how one holds the putter. Again, there is no magic bullet, what's needed is a bit of determination to swing the putter freely and put out of mind the possibility of missing (no matter how short or long the putt).

Every swing cannot be perfect; not every putt can be made. Numerous books have been written about this over many years - I'm just a slow learner, realising at last the limitations of theory.

PS. I intend to play the ball slightly back in my stance tomorrow and change my alignment - not sure if this is theory, but it is something I've been thinking about for a while.