Science and theory

If science is about disproving a series of hypotheses until you come up with a theory that proves difficult or impossible to disprove then golf is the perfect subject for science because golf is complicated, in fact it is arguably nearly impossible to come up with a theory that will work nearly all the time.

Time and time again, I have thought I had the answer to the golf swing (the theory), and time and time again I have found that the theory failed, for a variety of reasons.

The other day, I observed a golfer with a beautiful tempo and rhythm (potentially the ideal way to play golf successfully) only to realize that this golfer could not do anything but fade (make that slice) the ball. This golfer consistently (consistency being another of the great challenges of golf) cut across the ball, spinning it to the right, losing distance and control.

The problem is, as with many things and as they say, getting all the ducks lined up. This golfer had his shoulders wide open at set up and at impact. The club had nowhere to go but out and across the ball and even with a relatively square clubface at impact the ball was always going to spin to the right.

Now, if that golfer fixed, that is closed, his shoulders and managed to swing the club on a decent in-out-in path a lot of that problem would go away. Why then doesn't he do that? It's because we golfers tend to do what feels comfortable. And the most effective golf swing is not necessarily what feels comfortable.

This reminds me of some very early research I did on the golf swing where this very point was made. The golf swing is not meant to feel comfortable; it is not like swinging a baseball bat or throwing a ball, you are wielding a club that has a very small hitting area and you are doing it on an inclinded plane. There is a lot that can go wrong.

As far as I can get with this whole deal is probably to re-state a few fundamentals that maximise one's chances of hitting the golf ball relatively straight, with a reasonable amount of force, and with reasonable consistency, as follows:

1. Set up athletically and as square (parallel) to the target line as possible. Make sure your shoulders are if anything slightly closed to that target line. The natural tendency when gripping with the lower hand is to open the shoulders. This must be resisted. A conscious effort must be made to square or close the shoulders. I don't care what pros do or say, part-time golfers must do this if they want to create a swing plane that will minimise side-spin - the cause of slices and hooks.

2. The torso (core, hips and legs) and the arms and wrists must work together in the swing. If the arms and wrists dominate and work independently of the body, by flailing and leading the downswing, it will be very difficult for the average golfer to play consistent golf. Not only will it be difficult to replicate swings, but power will also be lost. I like the Adam Scott thought of 'start the down-swing with the lower and upper body at the same time. It's simple and effective. If I can also stay connected (front upper-arm linked to chest, as discussed previously), avoid swaying and trying to hit too hard, so much the better.

3. Finally, having mentioned a swing thought, I should contradict myself slightly by saying 'don't think' when you are playing a round of golf. That is: don't think during your swing. Plan the shot and set up consciously by all means, but after that don't try to do anything but get the little ball on target. While practicing it's fine to work on this or that, but when playing, trying to incorporate a swing thought or, heaven forbid, more than one swing thought will nearly always cause problems. This advice is mainly directed at yours truly - I need to do as I say probably more than anyone else!

That's it for now. I love science and theory. I just have to live with the realities that make the perfect golf swing as elusive as gravity waves. Hang on, haven't they found those ...?