Focus pocus

For many years I have been trying to find an effortless solution to playing better golf. 

I've not made much progress and I suspect that I've not only been barking up too many technical trees (to combine cliche with mixed metaphor).

So, the other day I went to watch some good, really good, golfers at work at a tournament. A couple of things struck me.

Firstly, they were mostly young, fit and flexible. Nothing I can do about that.

Secondly, they hit a lot of golf balls in practice, on the range and practice green. I can do a bit more.

Finally, they have superb rhythm (and clubhead speed). Maybe I can do a little better?

But my observations revealed something I should have been more aware of, especially as I recall thinking about this at least fifteen years ago.

The follow-through and finish of the swing (from driver to putter) is very, very important.

The finish reveals so much about what has come before - the path of the swing certainly - but maybe more importantly the balance and rhythm of the swing.

Much of my attention for many years has been on the backswing, from set up to direction, length, positions, timing, etc. The multiple technical aspects of the golf swing.

The reality is that the finish of the swing, if decent, will ironically take care of almost all of those things.

It's counter-intuitive, given that the follow though comes after, not before, the backswing. But like so much in golf (like swing easier to hit further) counter-intuitive works.

I will say there are certain things to note about the finish of the swing that are important. 

One is to observe whether a good weight shift has occurred (vital with shots from the ground). 

Another is to see whether the swing has finished in balance (a key indicator of a rhythmic swing).

It is important, however, that we accept that there are many ways to swing a golf club, many technique variations. We are all different. 

But the more we play and practice with the right focus (follow-through and finish), the more likely we are able to play with repetition and consistency. 

Focus on what is really important in the golf swing - it's not magic - or is it?