Short work

After my recent explorations of golf theories, including the use of the trailing elbow, the connection theory, weight on front foot, flat lead wrist, etc., I've decided to settle for something that comes naturally - a short / compact swing.

There are a number of tour players who fit into the category of short swingers, not just Kuchar and Zach with their peculiar swings, but Rambo (you know who I mean), Holmes, Hoffman, Finau, Quiros, Chappell and others. And some of these guys hit it BIG.

Clearly there is a requirement that you are either super strong or super long limbed, or actually both. But it doesn't mean that someone less strong, shorter limbed (like yours truly) can't benefit from some of the advantages of a short swing.

One advantage is that with a shorter path to the ball on the downswing there is less chance of deviation from the ideal swing path. No guarantees, there is lots that go wrong. But a short compact swing does work well for those without great hand-eye skills or great tempo.

Another advantage is that using the arms with the body, as is needed to generate any power, takes away some of the need for perfect timing. The whole thing is a package, just take it back shoulder high, with a decent turn and relatively straight lead arm, and power through the ball - according to one's strength.

That's enough on the subject. Just a final cautionary note - don't rush the downswing, add a little pause, otherwise the swing can get a little TOO short. We want 'short' to work.