Keeping the swing plane

The swing plane.

Most golfers are familiar with the phrase swing plane yet few have a clear picture of the correct swing plane. One of the reasons for this is the term like so many others related to the golf swing is misleading. A plane is a continuous path and the golf club simply does not swing on a continuous path. No championship level golfer has ever swung the club on a single plane.

A great reference point for the swing path is when the left arem is level with the ground on the back swing and down swing. At this point the grip end of the club should point at the ball-target line.

An effective exercise to train yourself to swing the club on the correct path is using a mirror swing back until the left arm is parallel to the ground. Notice the club pointing at the ball-target line. Now complete the back swing and swing down to the same point. Repeat this exercise. It will help to get the club on plane and you will hit the ball straighter.

Terry Gingell, a PGA pro, is the Eagle Valley Golf director of instruction. He's now taking signups for adult and junior group lessons as well as sports camps. For more information, call Gingell, 887-7174.