Designed using Artificial Intelligence, we’ve created contours on the aluminum backer of the insert to promote consistent ball speed across the face. We’ve co-molded a grooved White Hot urethane layer into that aluminum backer for the classic White Hot feel that Tour players and amateurs love.
]]>Ai-ONE Composite
All golfers, even the best Tour players in the world, miss the center of face from time to time. And when you lose speed relative to a center hit, the ball doesn’t roll as far as you intended, so you miss more putts or leave them farther from the hole. Now in Odyssey Ai-ONE, we’ve leveraged Callaway’s industry-leading Artificial Intelligence design and super-computing capabilities to create the most advanced insert in golf.
The multi-material construction includes unique contours on the back of the face that minimize ball speed losses on off-center hits, and greatly increase the sweet spot. Our revolutionary Ai-ONE urethane insert delivers more consistent ball speeds, even from off-center hits, leaving putts up to 21% closer to the hole.
To achieve this unmatched level of performance, we made the back of the insert out of aluminum and added a White Hot Urethane to the striking surface for the iconic White Hot feel that millions of golfers love. These enhancements provide incredible feel, speed control, and consistency in a design that’s changing the face of putting.
Features & Benefits
Ai-ONE Insert
Designed using Artificial Intelligence, we’ve created contours on the aluminum backer of the insert to promote consistent ball speed across the face. We’ve co-molded a grooved White Hot urethane layer into that aluminum backer for the classic White Hot feel that Tour players and amateurs love.
Ai Window
Our designers and engineers developed a Panlite window, which is a unique automotive grade polymer, that allows us to showcase the unique topology of the back of the insert.
SL 90 Shaft
A lightweight steel shaft with 20-30 grams (depending on the grip) of counterbalance weight in the butt end. This is an evolution of our Stroke Lab Weighting that will appeal to even more golfers.
Unique Navy Blue PVD Finish
These putters all feature a beautiful navy blue PVD finish that really sets them apart and gives them a premium look.
Interchangeable Front Weights
Available in 5, 10, 15 and 20 grams these removable weights allow you to dial in your head weight to your exact preference.
But now... Callaway has gone a step further and released their newest premium ball, the Chrome Tour. Already popular on tour, this golf ball has an even more defined focus on accuracy, reduced spin off the driver, and maximized spin around the greens. Put some new ammo in your bag with the new Chrome Tour!
The New Gold Standard
Chrome Tour: Engineered for the better player seeking distance & feel.
Chrome Tour X: For the best players seeking speed and the ultimate in control.
Chrome Soft: For the aspirational player looking for a tour-quality ball.
Features and Benefits
Hyper Fast Soft Core: Creates exceptionally fast ball speed for long distance.
Seamless Tour Aero: Designed for consistently stable ball flights in any condition.
High-Performance Tour Urethane Soft Cover: For incredible greenside spin and control
Callaway Golf, one of the industry’s leaders in equipment design, performance, and innovation, announced their new line of Chrome Tour, Chrome Tour X, and Chrome Soft Golf Balls. From cover to core, these golf balls are the new gold standard in performance, and they will all be available at retail now.
Every detail in this lineup has been optimized, including the new Hyper Fast Soft Core, mantle designs, new Tour Seamless Aero package, and the cover formulation. Each of these technologies are meticulously measured through industry-leading manufacturing, with over 100 million proof points, for the most consistent performance. Throughout the development, Callaway’s R&D team has worked extensively with some of the best Tour players in the game, incorporating their detailed feedback into the engineering and performance characteristics of these golf balls.
Chrome Tour is engineered for better players who want the best in distance and feel. It provides outstanding performance with exceptional speed, consistent flight, incredible spin, and greenside control. The core is engineered for the optimized balance of long distance and soft feel. The aerodynamic package is built for consistently stable ball flights in any condition. Additionally, better players can aggressively go after shots from added spin through the bag, while the cover system provides outstanding control and Tour-level feel.
Chrome Tour X is for the best players who want speed and the ultimate control from their Tour Ball. It provides outstanding distance, workability, and spin so you can experience your best performance from tee-to-green. The core promotes maximum ball speed and distance, especially off the driver, while the Seamless Tour Aero promotes consistently penetrating flight with enhanced workability for every club. Better players can also take advantage of the spin and workability in Chrome Tour X to hit the most precise iron and wedge shots.
Completing the lineup, Chrome Soft provides outstanding performance with faster ball speeds, a new seamless Tour Aero to optimize your ball flight, increased greenside control, and soft feel. It’s built for aspirational players who are looking for a Tour quality ball. Chrome Tour, Chrome Tour X, and Chrome Soft will be available for purchase now!
]]>The new Paradym Ai Smoke Drivers represent a quantum leap forward in Callaway’s Ai journey. This new family feature the most sophisticated driver face in Callaway history, the Ai Smart Face. The face uses real player data and advanced machine learning to create a series of sweet spots all over the face.
]]>The new Paradym Ai Smoke Drivers represent a quantum leap forward in Callaway’s Ai journey. This new family feature the most sophisticated driver face in Callaway history, the Ai Smart Face. The face uses real player data and advanced machine learning to create a series of sweet spots all over the face.
Paradym Ai Smoke MAX: Features a forgiving shape and adjustable perimeter weighting to deliver up to 19 yards of shot shape correction.
Paradym Ai Smoke MAX D: Built with high MOI, and a generously stretched profile at address, suited best for players looking to hit a draw.
Paradym Ai Smoke MAX Fast: Designed for players looking for lightweight, easy-to-swing performance.
Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond: Shaped with a neutral-to-fade biased face progression and a compact overall head size, the Triple Diamond model will suit better players looking for workability off the tee.
The new Paradym Ai Smoke fairway woods represent a quantum leap forward in Callaway’s Ai journey. This new family of fairway woods feature the most sophisticated face in Callaway history, the Ai Smart Face. This face uses real player data and advanced machine learning to create a series of sweet spots all over the face.
Paradym Ai Smoke MAX: With progressive shaping and the most extensive offering, Ai Smoke MAX Fairway Woods will be the optimal choice for players who want consistent launch and a neutral ball flight.
Paradym Ai Smoke MAX D: Built with high MOI, and a generously stretched profile at address, suited best for players looking to hit a draw.
Paradym Ai Smoke MAX Fast: Benefits golfers seeking lightweight and easy to launch performance with draw bias.
Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond: Benefits golfers who want to work the ball, and typically have faster swing speeds for a penetrating ball flight with lower spin.
The new Paradym Ai Smoke Hybrids represent a quantum leap forward in Callaway’s Ai journey. This new family feature the most sophisticated driver face in Callaway history, the Ai Smart Face. The face uses real player data and advanced machine learning to create a series of sweet spots all over the face.
Paradym Ai Smoke: Designed for players with average to high swing speeds who are looking to maximize distance and improve dispersion.
Paradym Ai Smoke HL: For golfers with moderate swing speeds, the Paradym Ai Smoke High Launch Hybrid is designed for golfers looking to maximize distance, increase launch, and tighten dispersion
Paradym Ai Smoke MAX Fast: Designed for players looking to increase swing speed, launch, and spin to achieve maximum distance and proper gapping.
The Paradym Ai Smoke Irons represent a total revolution in iron performance. This
family utilizes the most advanced iron face in Callaway history: the Ai Smart Face. Our Ai Smart Face is designed using real player data and advanced machine learning to create a series of sweet spots all over the face, resulting in exceptional distance with tight dispersion.
Paradym Ai Smoke: Best suited for golfers with average to high swing speeds looking to maximize distance and improve dispersion.
Paradym Ai Smoke HL: The High Launch model is made for golfers who need higher launch to maximize distance and hit more greens.
Paradym Ai Smoke MAX Fast: Made for golfers who need to optimize swing speed and increase launch to maximize distance and hit more greens.
This game changing technology deserves a place in your bag in 2024. I mean, who doesn't want to smoke it farther and straighter than every before???
]]>Lee Trevino, born on December 1, 1939, is a legendary figure in the world of professional golf, renowned for his exceptional skills, unorthodox playing style, and charismatic personality. His career, marked by triumphs and challenges, has left an indelible mark on the sport.
Trevino's journey to golfing stardom began in humble origins. Raised in a poor Mexican-American family in Dallas, Texas, he started working at a young age to support his family. Despite limited resources, he developed a passion for golf, honing his skills at a local course where he worked as a caddy. His unpretentious background and engaging personality endeared him to fans, making him one of the most beloved figures in the sport.
In the early 1960s, Trevino turned professional, facing the challenges of racial discrimination prevalent in the era. Undeterred, he demonstrated his prowess on the course, earning his first significant victory at the U.S. Open in 1968. This triumph marked the beginning of a remarkable period for Trevino, as he went on to secure six major championships in his career.
One of Trevino's distinctive traits was his unorthodox and improvisational playing style. Rather than conforming to traditional techniques, he relied on his innate talent and creativity. His ability to shape shots and navigate challenging courses set him apart from his peers. This unconventional approach contributed to his success, as he claimed victories at prestigious events, including The Open Championship and the PGA Championship.
Trevino's success was not limited to major championships; he amassed numerous wins on the PGA Tour. His consistency and competitiveness placed him among the elite golfers of his time. He was a force to be reckoned with in various formats, excelling in both stroke play and match play competitions.
Beyond his accomplishments on the course, Trevino's magnetic personality made him a fan favorite. His humor, affability, and relatability endeared him to audiences worldwide. His witty one-liners and anecdotes added a touch of entertainment to the often-serious world of professional golf, making him a beloved figure both inside and outside the ropes.
As with any storied career, Trevino faced challenges. Injuries and personal struggles tested his resilience, but he demonstrated an unwavering determination to overcome adversity. His ability to bounce back from setbacks showcased not only his athletic prowess but also his mental fortitude.
Lee Trevino's impact extends beyond the golf course. His journey from a challenging upbringing to golfing greatness is an inspiring tale of perseverance and talent. He broke barriers, challenged conventions, and left an enduring legacy in the world of sports. His contributions to the game, both in terms of athletic achievements and cultural influence, have solidified his place as a true icon in the history of golf.
Here's a summary of Lee Trevino's golf achievements:
Six Major Championships: Lee Trevino secured six major championships during his illustrious career. His major victories include the U.S. Open (1968, 1971), The Open Championship (1971, 1972), and the PGA Championship (1974, 1984). These triumphs solidified his status as one of the premier golfers of his era.
U.S. Open Triumphs (1968, 1971): Trevino's first major victory came at the 1968 U.S. Open at Oak Hill Country Club. He then claimed his second U.S. Open title in 1971 at Merion Golf Club, showcasing his ability to navigate challenging courses and compete at the highest level.
Back-to-Back Open Championships (1971, 1972): Trevino became the first player since 1953 to win The Open Championship in consecutive years. His victories in 1971 at Royal Birkdale and in 1972 at Muirfield established him as a force in international golf.
PGA Championship Wins (1974, 1984): Trevino's first PGA Championship victory came in 1974 at Tanglewood Park. A decade later, he secured his second PGA Championship title in 1984 at Shoal Creek, showcasing his enduring competitiveness.
27 PGA Tour Wins: In addition to his major victories, Trevino accumulated 27 wins on the PGA Tour. His consistent performance and ability to thrive in various tournament formats demonstrated his versatility and skill on the course.
Three Ryder Cup Appearances: Lee Trevino represented the United States in three Ryder Cup competitions (1969, 1973, 1985), contributing to the team's success. His team spirit and match play prowess added to his legacy in international golf competitions.
World Golf Hall of Fame Induction (1981): In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the sport, Trevino was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1981. This honor solidified his place among the golfing greats.
That's why we think Lee could definitely be considered the BEST golfer!
]]>Getting your golf gear there safely is important, and I wanted to take a sec to highlight one of my favourite travel covers, the Sun Mountain KUBE. It's super solid, durable and does and amazing job protecting your golf clubs of course. But the big feature is that it folds up into a little cube, about 12" x 18" for easy storage in the rental car, hotel room, or even a locker at the club!
The KUBE, Sun Mountain's newest travel bag, is an exciting new development in travel gear. We used hardy, ballistic style fabric in combination with plastic half-shells. When not in use, the KUBE folds down to 9" x 13" x 14.5" for storage.
That means no trouble fitting clubs and buddies in the rental car, or tripping over travel covers in your hotel room. Here are the bullet points...
FEATURES & BENEFITS
Custom golf balls are a great way to enhance your golfing experience. Whether you're a professional golfer or just enjoy a casual round with friends, having personalized golf balls can make a big difference in your game. But how can you order custom golf balls without any hassle? Our professional team is here to make it easy for you!
When it comes to ordering custom golf balls, you want to make sure you're getting the best quality and design. Our professional team of experts is well-versed in the world of golf and can provide you with the guidance you need to choose the perfect golf balls for your game. They have extensive knowledge of different ball types, materials, and designs, ensuring that you get the right fit for your playing style.
We understand that ordering custom golf balls should be a seamless process. That's why we've made it incredibly easy for you. Simply visit our website and follow the step-by-step instructions to place your order. Our user-friendly interface allows you to customize every aspect of your golf balls, from the color and design to the text or logo you want to include. With just a few clicks, you'll have your personalized golf balls on their way to you!
Once you've placed your order, our professional team takes care of the rest. We understand that you're excited to receive your custom golf balls, so we ensure fast and reliable delivery. You can expect your order to arrive at your doorstep in no time, allowing you to hit the golf course with your personalized gear.
At our company, customer satisfaction is our top priority. We take pride in delivering high-quality custom golf balls that meet your expectations. If you have any questions or concerns about your order, our friendly customer support team is always ready to assist you. We strive to provide a seamless and enjoyable experience from start to finish.
Ordering custom golf balls has never been easier. With our professional team guiding you through the process, you can have personalized golf balls that enhance your game and reflect your unique style. Don't settle for generic golf balls when you can have ones that are tailored to your preferences. Place your order today and experience the joy of playing with custom golf balls!
]]>The PING G430 HL SFT Driver is packed with cutting-edge technology and features that set it apart from the competition. Let's take a closer look at what makes this driver a must-have for golfers of all skill levels:
With its innovative design, the PING G430 HL SFT Driver offers a high launch angle and low spin rate. This combination allows you to achieve maximum distance off the tee while keeping the ball on target. Say goodbye to those frustrating slices and hooks!
The SFT technology in the PING G430 HL SFT Driver is a game-changer for golfers who struggle with a fade or slice. This advanced technology promotes a draw bias, helping you hit straighter shots and keep the ball in play. You'll be amazed at how much more confident and consistent your drives become.
Every golfer is unique, and the PING G430 HL SFT Driver recognizes that. With its adjustable loft and lie settings, you can fine-tune the driver to suit your swing and desired ball flight. Whether you prefer a higher launch or a lower spin, this driver has you covered.
The sleek and aerodynamic design of the PING G430 HL SFT Driver reduces drag and increases clubhead speed. This means more power behind your shots and greater distance off the tee. Prepare to leave your playing partners in awe as you consistently outdrive them.
When you strike the ball with the PING G430 HL SFT Driver, you'll experience a satisfying feel and sound that's second to none. The driver's forged face and internal rib structure create a powerful and responsive impact, giving you the feedback you need to improve your swing.
Don't let subpar drives hold you back from reaching your full potential on the golf course. The PING G430 HL SFT Driver is the ultimate game-changer that will transform your game. Experience the power, precision, and confidence that this driver brings to every swing. Upgrade your game today and start hitting longer, straighter drives like never before.
]]>Jack Nicklaus: With a record 18 major championships, Jack Nicklaus is widely considered to be one of the greatest golfers of all time. He won his first major championship in 1962 and his last in 1986, at the age of 46. Nicklaus' success was built on his exceptional ball-striking ability, mental toughness, and his ability to perform under pressure.
Tiger Woods: Tiger Woods burst onto the golf scene in the late 1990s and dominated the sport for more than a decade. He has won 15 major championships and 82 PGA Tour events, which is tied for the most all-time with Sam Snead. Woods' impact on the game of golf goes beyond his victories, as he brought new levels of athleticism, power, and mental toughness to the sport.
Ben Hogan: Ben Hogan is considered by many to be one of the greatest ball strikers in the history of the game. He won 9 major championships, including 3 in a row in 1953. Hogan's meticulous approach to practice and his ability to hit the ball straight and consistently made him a dominant force in the 1940s and 1950s.
Bobby Jones: Bobby Jones is considered by many to be the greatest amateur golfer of all time. He won 13 major championships in the 1920s and 1930s, including all four major championships in 1930 (the "Grand Slam"). Jones' impact on the game of golf goes beyond his accomplishments on the course, as he was instrumental in the development of the Augusta National Golf Club and the creation of the Masters Tournament.
While opinions may differ, these golfers are widely considered to be among the greatest of all time due to their achievements, impact on the sport, and their lasting legacy in golf history.
]]>Rahm started playing golf at the age of 11 and quickly developed a passion for the sport. He attended Arizona State University, where he played college golf and won numerous individual and team titles. In 2016, he turned professional and immediately started making a name for himself on the PGA Tour.
]]>Rahm started playing golf at the age of 11 and quickly developed a passion for the sport. He attended Arizona State University, where he played college golf and won numerous individual and team titles. In 2016, he turned professional and immediately started making a name for himself on the PGA Tour.
Rahm's first professional victory came at the 2017 Farmers Insurance Open, where he won in a playoff against Phil Mickelson. He followed that up with wins at the Irish Open and the DP World Tour Championship, becoming the first golfer since Seve Ballesteros to win three European Tour events before the age of 24.
In 2018, Rahm continued his success with a win at the CareerBuilder Challenge and a runner-up finish at the Masters Tournament. He also finished the year as the World Number 2 golfer behind Dustin Johnson.
Rahm's success continued into 2019, as he won the Zurich Classic of New Orleans and the Irish Open for the second time in his career. He also finished in the top 10 in all four major championships, including a third-place finish at the U.S. Open.
In 2020, Rahm won the Memorial Tournament, which was held at Jack Nicklaus' Muirfield Village Golf Club. He also finished in the top 10 in three of the four major championships, including a tie for 13th at the Masters Tournament.
In 2021, Rahm won the U.S. Open, his first major championship victory. He shot a final round 67 to come from behind and win by one stroke over Louis Oosthuizen. He also won the DP World Tour Championship for the third time in his career, becoming the first golfer to win that event three times since it became a European Tour event in 2009.
Rahm is known for his powerful swing and aggressive playing style. He is also known for his fiery temperament on the golf course, which has led to some controversy over the years. However, he is widely respected by his peers for his talent and work ethic.
Off the golf course, Rahm is married to Kelley Cahill, who he met while they were both attending Arizona State University. The couple welcomed their first child, a son named Kepa, in 2021.
Jon Rahm is a young and talented golfer who has already achieved numerous impressive feats in his career. He has won multiple tournaments on both the PGA and European Tours, and he is widely regarded as one of the best golfers in the world. With his powerful swing and aggressive playing style, Rahm is sure to continue making a name for himself in the world of golf for many years to come. And as of February 20th, 2023 he as ascended to the #1 spot in the world golf rankings. He is definitely on a tear and it'll be interesting to see what he does for years to come!
]]>Well the TaylorMade P790 irons might be a perfect fit for you!
Oh they have a tonne of technology as you can see above. Forged face, internal weighting, vibration dampening insert. But the finished product looks like a pure forged blade!
And here are the details as to how the technology works, right from team TaylorMade...
YOU DON'T MESS WITH WHAT WORKS, YOU MAKE IT BETTER.
P790 irons pack powerful performance into a clean, classic design to deliver unprecedented distance in a players iron. Through a combination of forged construction and our revolutionary new SpeedFoam Technology, golfers will experience feel, forgiveness, and workability unlike any iron of this caliber.
SPEEDFOAM
Ultra light urethane foam injected inside the head engineered to push the design limits of face speed while simultaneously improving feel.
LOW PROFILE TUNGSTEN WEIGHTING
New low profile tungsten weight designed for a lower CG and higher launch.
FORGED HOLLOW BODY
Consists of thin, wrap around forged 4140 face and soft carbon steel body designed to deliver explosive distance and forgiveness.
PROGRESSIVE I.C.T.
Features patented Progressive Inverted Core Technology strategically located in each iron designed to improve accuracy and protect off-center ball speed.
And if you are looking for the specs, check this out...
Do we have you convinced? Order your set by clicking here!
]]>It's proper hand rotation! I've taught thousands of lessons, done thousands of club fittings, and there is one consistent major error that separates the good player - who hits it long and straight - and the average player who hits it short and sideways. And it's not hand rotation at impact - it's hand rotation from takeaway to half way down the downsing. The best players in the world rotate their hands counterclockwise - always. The average player rotates their hands clockwise - always.
THERE IS A HUGE DIFFERENCE in the result at impact depending on how your hands rotate through the swing. Watch this quick video I whipped up on a freezing cold day on my front lawn...
Hopefully what this quick video shows is that when you rotate your hands correctly, you generate significant stored power and lag that gets delivered to the ball on an inside path. Versus a rotation in the wrong direction which causes a huge loss of lag and a glancing blow at impact which creates mucho sidespin.
You don't need to hit balls to groove this move, simply take a club and work on rotating your your hands in the correct direction. Larger rotations are easy to repeat and will help you overcome the embedded muscle memory of your old rotation.
Practice this often, and when you are ready to start hitting balls - try to keep the same rotation and rhythm, and watch that ball fly straight and far toward your target!
]]>New Tour-Inspired Blade and Mid-Mallet Designs Provide Pure Performance, Solid Milled Feel
FAIRHAVEN, Mass. (Jan. 17, 2020) – The new Scotty Cameron Special Select putter line blends timeless designs with modern craftsmanship to deliver pure tour-validated performance in eight new blade and mid-mallet setups precision milled in the USA.
Available Jan. 24 in North American golf shops (and March 27 worldwide), Special Select putters are inspired by the classic, solid milled designs that Master Putter Maker Scotty Cameron has crafted for tour players around the world – featuring sleeker putter head profiles with thinner and flatter toplines, refined neck configurations, soft tri-soles and performance balanced weighting. Each Special Select putter has been completely reworked, including Scotty’s classic Newport, Newport 2 and Newport 2.5 blade styles. A refined Del Mar joins the new Fastback 1.5, Squareback 2, Flowback 5 and Flowback 5.5 mid-mallet models.
QUOTING SCOTTY CAMERON: "I’m always inspired by the putters that result from working directly with the best players in the world," Cameron said. "With Special Select, I wanted to get back to the pure-milled shapes and faces that I’ve been crafting for tour players for over two decades now. We’ve brought those designs into the modern era with new setups, necks, faces, grips and weights. Every aspect of every putter has been redone. When it all came together, it was pretty special."
SPECIAL SELECT PERFORMANCE & TECHNOLOGY: Special Select putters are meticulously crafted to provide pure performance and feel through the following key features:
SPECIAL SELECT MODELS: The Special Select line offers golfers the choice of three blade models and five mid-mallet options developed for every stroke style.
CLICK HERE FOR AN OVERVIEW OF EACH SPECIAL SELECT PUTTER
ACCESSORIES: Each Special Select putter is accessorized with a new Pistolini Plus grip in cement gray with distinctive white lettering that retains the Pistolini shape with a slightly built up lower hand profile. This new grip complements an elegantly embroidered, red abrasion-resistant Special Select headcover with superior wear characteristics.
REFINED AESTHETICS: Scotty gave the Special Select line’s raw stainless steel finish a unique bead blast for a radiant yet glare resistant appearance. Additionally, Scotty’s signature three red dot pattern on the back cavity has a new look. Each dot has been milled with a recessed circular channel, polished and then hand-painted with cherry red translucent paint, creating a striking new “cherry rings” feature.
AVAILABILITY: Special Select putters will be available in North America on January 24, 2020, and March 27 worldwide through Titleist authorized golf shops.
]]>
Although there are a variety of ways to hold the golf club, there is one key I want to draw your attention to... the need to have long lines between your thumb and forefinger on each hand.
You can see in the picture above how long the line or crease between the thumb and forefinger are. They couldn't possibly be any longer!
What are the benefits of long lines like in the picture? Well, here they are...
When chipping or putting it's always best to keep your hands quiet or passive. Your hands can be twitchy and under pressure they can let you down - leading to sculled, thin or fat shots - or pulled or pushed putts.
You could use more shoulders, except I find that it reduces your feel or touch and it makes it hard to judge distance.
So, if can't get too handsy and your shoulders reduce feel - what to do?
I have a solution - focus on your left elbow. Instead of using your hands or shoulders to control the club or putter - use your left elbow to move the club back and release it through impact! The benefit of the left elbow is that it's not twitchy like your hands - so you can trust it. It also has more feel than your shoulders - so your distance control and touch will be great.
Try it - I guarantee it will shave strokes off your game!
Fact - if you initiate the downswing with your shoulders, you are going to hit a poor shot.
Fact - if your shoulders spin early on the downswing, it's going to get ugly.
Your shoulders have a big impact on whether you are going to hit the ball solidly and where the ball is going to go. Jack Nicklaus understood just how important it is to limit early shoulder rotation in the downswing, and writes about it in his book "Golf My Way". To paraphrase the Golden Bear -
I had two downswing thoughts in my career... downswing thought number 1, left shoulder up. And if that wasn't working, downswing thought number 2, right shoulder down
- and Jack was most definitely correct. Arguably the worst move in the golfswing is the right shoulder moving toward the target line to start the downswing. It's the death move, and there is very little you can do to save the swing once you have started spinning the shoulders.
Here is a simple way to think of the role of the shoulders at impact...
Most golfers have opened their shoulders on the downswing well before impact!
The ideal movement into impact in the golfswing is the same as throwing a ball, or executing a punch. You lead with your lower body, accelerate your arm, then your hand. Your shoulders provide stability and the final acceleration.
To hit the ball solidly everytime and to design a swing where the ball goes straighter and farther more often, make your focus a square or slightly closed shoulder position at impact.
Here's a great drill...
Take a pitching wedge and address the ball as if you are going to hit the ball 50 yards. Now spin your shoulders slightly closed. Hit the ball and try to keep your shoulders closed to the target line at impact. And repeat. Groove this move until you feel confident that your shoulders are in fact slightly closed at impact. Then gradually start hitting some full pitching wedges, then move on to short irons, mid-irons and your driver. Square shoulders at impact will help you hit every club more consistently.
Continue to groove that move until you understand how your shoulder position at impact affects ball flight.
Keep it up and you will hit the ball farther, straighter and more solidly - just like a tour pro!
Lee Tamburano
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