Swings and swings

Towards the end of last year, I expressed a level of happiness with my 'one-plane swing' (OPS). It was, of course, essentially the simple flat rotational swing that I had always used, but I was now incorporating a more 'connected' left arm and some slightly more vigorous body rotation.

At that time, even though I was relatively happy with my game, I tried to find something extra. Consequently, and inevitably, I started to play worse. However, I have now begun the process of returning to the swing I had in the latter part of last year. This is a process of simplification; a re-focusing on what is essential, a rejection of the multiplicity of swing thoughts that have done me plenty of damage.

My one-plane swing is probably not, in reality, a one-plane swing, since one's downswing is not a replica of the backswing - mainly because of the different weight shifts and body angles involved. Perhaps it can be done, but not by me. However, the OPS contains a feeling of compactness and simplicity that I like. It's about the elimination of some moving parts and a focus on the unity of arms and body. This seems to work quite well.

Having said that, I think there is definitely a swing thought and feeling that is even more fundamental - a sense of rhythm. I've mentioned this before more than once and not for no reason. I think rhythm is the main feature of all good golf swings. Styles vary, but rhythm and timing are essential for anyone wanting to play good golf.

In another return, I have re-discovered the split-hand putting grip. I've tried every known putting grip with varied results. Looking back, I actually putted quite well with the SHG, but abandoned it after one or two bad days on the greens. To me, there is a certain logic in using one's dominant lower (right for me) hand to control the putting stroke. The long-handle putters did it with some success and some other research has confirmed that putting with a SHG produces great consistency for many golfers.

Anyway, I'm swingin' in the rain at present and I've got rhythm, so who could ask for anything more?