Golfing Myths
Myth 1 - Taking a divot is bad
Should you take a divot? Most golfers don’t take a divot and some players take one but before the ball, trust me when I say taking a divot with your irons is a good thing!
Taking a divot encourages a downward attack angle into the ball, the common fault with players who have just started to learn the game, is the temptation to try and help the ball into the air, this leads to players trying to scoop the ball up in an effort to get it airborn, this often places the low point of the swing arc before the ball leading to fat, thin and even topped shots. In order to hit consistent shots we need to strike down on the ball. Just make sure you replace your divots!
Myth 2 - Keep your head down
Should I keep my head down? My playing partners tell me I lifted my head so perhaps thats why I keep topping it?
It would be fair to say that most amateur golfers tell each other to keep their head down on a weekly basis, when golfers typically top or thin the ball, the automatic response is to think that their head must have lifted up. When I video people during lessons they are often shocked at actually how good they are at keeping their head down! Unfortunately when we try to keep our head down during the swing, it inhibits head movement, shoulder rotation and proper weight transfer during the swing. Keeping your head down also places added strain on your neck and back. Allow your head and chest to rotate freely on both the backswing and downswing, be confident in letting your chest and head rotate so that you can face the target when you finish the swing, like all great players do.
Myth 3 - Keep your feet still.
Should your feet move during the swing? I thought I should stay as still as possible so I dont miss the ball.
If you want to maximise your ability to hit the ball as far as possible and and ensure you are striking the ball consistently, then you need to allow your feet to interact with the floor. Using the ground effectively is something that all great players do. Within the swing your body has the potential to create force vertically as you extend and push off the floor, laterally as you shift your weight from your right side to your left side, and rotationally as you turn your chest and hips during the swing. If your focus is to stay very still during your swing you are robbing yourself of the chance to maximise your potential speed.
Myth 4 - Keep your left arm straight
My left arm keeps bending at the top of my backswing, is this a bad thing?
One of the most common pieces of advice you will recieve as a golfer is that your left arm must stay completely straight at all costs during the swing. When it comes to a straight left arm you can certainly have to much of a good thing. Excessive straightening of the left arm can lead to the arm becoming rigid and locked during the swing, often leading to increased tension and in some cases pain in the left elbow. Players should focus more on maintaining the position of where their left arm was at address, in doing so players can still create a wide backswing, leading to increased club head speed but without all the tension.
Custom Fitting is only for good Golfers
There’s no point in me getting custom fitted for golf clubs as my handicap is to high
Another common misconception is that only good golfers benefit from club fitting. This could not be further from the truth, using clubs that are the correct length, weight and flex for you, make it much easier to enjoy this great game. Everyone is unique in height, strength, length of arms and hand size. We don’t all wear the same size clothing so why would we all use the same size clubs. Do yourself a favour and have clubs fitted specifically for you regardless of ability.
