Live and Learn

A friend suggested recently that since I was playing so badly I should go back to a method that had worked in the past. I resisted the very thought of this since this would be a huge admission that I'd quite recently rejected this idea and stubbornly continued my search for the elusive secret of better golf. The method or concept he was talking about is 'connection theory'.

I call it connection theory, if that's really a thing, because in full swings it involves connecting the upper left arm closely to the left side, adjacent to the chest (for right-handers). It can be felt without recourse to gloves or towels under the arm, but those props can help with getting the feel of it during practice. Importantly, the right arm is NOT connected (right-handers), contrary to some instruction.

There is no doubt this upper arm connection is restrictive for the length of the backswing. It does feel strange at first. And it does require a player to learn to cope with what will be a shorter backswing. Also, this shorter backswing can get too fast - I'll comment on that further. 

However, connection theory has several advantages that I list below.

Firstly, the continuous connection of the upper left arm to the upper left chest helps the player to mobilise their upper body for extra power. The body and arm work together without the need for timing or re-connecting. The swing is shorter and more compact, but it feels strong - at least when you get used to the more restrictive feeling.

Secondly, the connection encourages the player to extend their left arm (keep it straighter) and widen the swing arc because they know it is important, given the shorter swing, for generating power (speed) in the swing. It's worth noting that some tour standard players utilise short swings, but are able to generate tremendous power because they use their bodies so effectively.

Finally, this connection also helps to regulate the radius of the arc, make it more consistent, helping the player find the low point (contact point) of the swing more consistently. This is very important for all golfers who need to find the sweet spot on club to maximise distance and accuracy. Fat and thin, toe and heel ain't good.

As mentioned, it takes time to get used to a shorter swing. For a time at least you need to consciously wait or pause at the top of the backswing until a new tempo or sense of timing kicks in. This is probably the biggest challenge I've faced.

Arguments against connection theory (or this version of it anyway) include that it is restrictive, limits the length of the backswing, creates tension, flattens the swing arc, and looks bad. But for the average golfer who waves the club around like a gladioli at a Barry Humphries show it is what's needed for more consistent ball striking. Isn't consistency the holy grail for most social and maybe all golfers?

Anyway, this method is what I clearly need; my ball striking is noticeably better using connection theory. Now all I need to do is learn to putt. You live and learn.