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Lesson Notes
The takeaway sets the tone for the entire swing. If the club moves too far inside (behind your body) early on, you are forced to “throw” the club over the top or flip your hands to get back to the ball.
The “Inside” Problem:
- Often caused by excessive pelvis rotation too early in the swing.
- Results in the wrists getting out of position, which opens or closes the clubface prematurely.
- Leads to inconsistent contact and loss of direction.
The Straight-Arm Drill:
- Focus on your lead arm (left arm for right-handed golfers) as it starts the journey back.
- Keep the back of your wrist and your forearm in a straight line—avoid “cupping” or “bowing” the wrist immediately.
- Feel as though your arms are moving straight back along the target line rather than wrapping around your hips.
- Minimize early hip rotation to allow the chest and arms to lead the takeaway.
Lesson Q&A:
Q: How do I know if my takeaway is too far “inside”?
A: If the clubhead disappears behind your hands when the shaft is parallel to the ground, you have moved it too far inside. Ideally, the clubhead should be slightly outside or directly in line with your hands at this stage.
Q: Why does the pelvis matter during the takeaway?
A: If your hips spin open immediately, they pull the arms and the club along with them, deep behind the body. Keeping the lower body stable during the first foot of the swing helps keep the club on plane.
Q: What should the back of my lead wrist feel like? A: It should feel flat and firm. Using a feedback tool like HackMotion or even a simple ruler tucked into your glove can help you feel if you are flexing or bending the wrist too early.
