I forgot

When I posted recently, I forgot to mention connection, which is still a fundamental for me in the full swing. By connection I mean that feeling of the left upper arm (for a right hander) to stay close to or connected to the upper left chest or side. This is a slightly restricted feeling that is fine for someone with a short or shortish backswing and it helps with consistency.

However, the main benefit of this connection relates back to the upper and lower body sequencing mentioned previously. It makes it much easier to turn everything together on the downswing, that is the lower, middle and upper body, as against the separation of these areas that makes it harder to time the downswing and can create timing problems.

The other good thing about this connection principle is that it does not compromise the KISS principle, since it is a very simple and easily implemented action, after a short period of adjusting to the slightly constricted feeling and shortened backswing.

Speaking of short backswing, I've also been happier lately with my short putting now that I've adopted a pop stroke for short putts. By this I mean the adoption of a very short backswing for putts in the 2 to 5 foot range. The idea is that since very little power is needed for these putts, the main objective is to keep the putter blade square at impact. And the easiest way to do this is to only take the putter back a very short distance, i.e. 1 to 2 inches, and pop the ball into the hole. It's working for now anyway.

Amazing how one can forget for most of a round of golf a technique or principle that has worked well previously. I hope to remember connection in my next round.