Watch out for that long swing

A common mistake in the golf swing is trying to swing the club back too far.

Golfers often try to make a long swing when they should try to make a wide swing. When the golfer tries to make a long swing they invariable have excessive wrist action and a collapsed left arm. These common technique flaws actually cause the arc of the swing to shorten thereby reducing power and consistency.

It is important to understand that the club does not have to reach parallel to the ground on the back swing and point to the target.

If you watch the golf on television you will notice that very few if any of the top players reach that position. Also, most weekend golfers lack the flexibility to achieve that position.

A great drill to teach yourself a wide swing allowing the club head to travel further and therefore faster for more power and accuracy is as follows:

• Adopt start position

• Let arms hang naturally down from shoulders

• Hold left wrist

• Rotate shoulders and chest around right thigh

• Allow the left arm to swing up to shoulder height

• See that the hands are in front of the right breast pocket

• Left arm is fully extended

• Elbows same width apart

• Practice with the club. Swing the arms to level with the ground. At this point, the club should form a right angle with the left arm

Practice this drill with the use of a mirror. When you hit the ball, the hands will naturally swing a little higher due to the length, weight and momentum of the club. Do not try to manipulate the length of the swing. Focus on width using this drill and the length of your swing arc will increase naturally.

Terry Gingell, PGA Director of Instruction at Eagle Valley Golf Course can be reached at 690-7970.