Golf Tip by LPGA Instructor Liz Farland

In the recent Olympics, athletes define balance in their own particular way. They feel their way to the same consistent success. All good golf shots require the necessity to be in balance. In order to balance your golf swing you must be able to identify your start and finish. Do you know how your swing starts? Do you know how your swing ends? If you can identify these positions your swing will become repeatable. If you can begin to repeat the same swing, you will begin to repeat the same shots.

Fortunately, each of us are different. Unfortunately, because each of us are different the correct beginning and end to our swings can and should be different.

A trigger to begin your swing may be as simple as a slight movement of your hands. Other examples may be, moving your shoulders first, a slight tilt to your head, dragging your club head back along the ground, moving your arms first (triangle). What triggers your swing?

Ending your swing I believe is a little easier to define: (For right handed players) Our weight has been transferred to our left side, our torso, belly button, shoulders have been pivoted towards our target, right toe is pointed to the ground and we are in a balanced position. There are many other positions and feelings one may have. I once had someone define their feel for their finish when their thighs were kissing.

Each of us needs to define our own start and finish. Consider Michael Jordan's jump shot: He does not rehearse the motions of shoulders, wrists, arms when he shoots the ball into the air. He simply starts his shot and ends his shot.

Once you have identified the beginning and end to your swing you will begin to produce repetitive shots. Repetitive swings lead to muscle memory and consistent golf shots. Once you trust your start and finish, your mind will instruct your muscles to make the shot happen.

Arms and shoulders have formed a triangle - start trigger - triangle moves first.

Ending Position - body weight on forward foot, balance, eyes, shoulders, belly all facing the target.