Transition
When we talk about the transition, what we are really referring to is rhythm. The speed of the change in direction from backswing to downswing is where you get your rhythm and timing from. If you look at Jordan Spieth, Patrick Reed and Hideki Matsuyama, they all have a pause at the top of the backswing. Then there are other players, who are great drivers of the ball, who are really quick from the top of the backswing. Whatever your approach, the main thing is that you need to be consistent. One thing I would say is that if you get too quick, jumping at the ball from the top, you can lose the synchronisation in your downswing and this will affect your timing and accuracy.
Extra Yards
To find a few extra yards, if I’m trying to attack a long par 5 in two, I almost want to feel as if I’m taking the club away a little slower than usual. The feeling I’m looking for is like a slow coil to the top. The golf swing is a bit like a rubber band: you pull it really tight and then let it go. So I try to turn everything a little bit more but I slow it down a bit to help me create that extra energy in the downswing. Then from the top, you unwind and see where it goes!
Common Mistakes
The most obvious mistake I see among amateurs would probably be over-swinging and trying to hit the ball too far. Like Davis Love said, my advice would be to swing at 70% of your normal speed. Keep it smooth but hit it solid and you’ll hit it just as far. This will certainly work, especially if you get the right flight and launch.
My Bag
Driver: Titleist 915 D3 9.5˚
Fairway wood: Titleist 915 F 15˚
Irons: Titleist T-MB 2-iron, Titleist 716 MB 3-9
Wedges: Titleist Vokey SM5 46˚, 56˚& 60˚
Putter: Titleist Scotty Cameron GSS Newport
Ball: Titleist Pro V1x
Shoe: FJ DryJoys Casual
Glove: FJ Pure Touch
Apparel: FJ / Outerwear: FJ DryJoys Select
Pages
Click here to see the published article.
