3 steps to a choke proof swing: all it takes is a stronger grip and a simple body turn

Golf Digest, Dec, 2003 by Scott Davenport

Aside from being major championship winners, do you know what David Toms, Lee Trevino and Paul Azinger have in common? All three have the same type of swing--they grip the club strong and then take it back and through with a full body turn and very little hand action.

The benefit of "the body swing" is that the clubface stays square to the target longer than when you use any other method. There are no hand adjustments in the downswing to return the club to the square position it was in at address. All you have to do is allow the body to turn back and through. The arms and the club follow along.

On the next pages, I'll show you the key elements to this simple yet effective swing. If you're struggling with consistency and accuracy, this might be your best chance of making solid contact.

1 The start

A strong grip is the key element to this swing. Get it right and you'll immediately start making more solid contact with the ball.

What a 'strong' grip looks like

To get the proper grip for this swing, adjust your right hand on the shaft until you can see all five fingernails. The palm of the right hand and the back of the left hand should be facing the sky more than the target. This is a very strong grip.

Turn the left arm and shoulder in unison

With your new stronger grip, your shoulders should be aligned slightly left of your target. Practicing with a middle iron, position the ball slightly forward of the center of your stance. When you start your backswing, turn your left shoulder and arm in unison, as if someone had glued them together under your armpit. Your lower body stays relatively still, and the hands should do nothing but go along for the ride. Keep turning until your shoulder is under your chin. Using this method, the clubface stays square much longer.

2 The downswing

You body does all the work To pull your hands past the ball

The shoulders turn...

You should feel tension in your left hip and leg as you coil to the top of the swing. Don't worry if your backswing feels shorter. Now, uncoil by letting the left shoulder turn back to the target.

The torso uncoils ...

At this point, my left shoulder is now pointing at the target. My hands and the club are being pulled down by this action. But don't stop here--keep turning your shoulders well past impact.

The hands hang on

By letting the torso rotation propel the swing, I've created lag time. My belt buckle passes the ball, then my hands, then the club. This ensures a crisp, downward blow and solid contact.

drill

Keeping the hands quiet during the downswing is easier said than done for most amateurs, since they often want to scoop the ball by manipulating their wrists at impact. Instead, during the downswing, think of making a karate chop on the ball. Notice how the palm of my right hand and back of my left hand are in a similar position as when I gripped the club. The hands eventually will release but they should pass over the ball before the clubhead makes contact.

3 the finish

The body swing doesn't stop at impact. Keep turning until you're facing the target.

With the body swing you have to keep turning your upper torso until the the right shoulder finishes under the chin. Your lower body will turn naturally, ending up with your belt buckle facing the target and your right knee nearly touching your left. It's a nice full finish.

"I tried it'

HERB VALENTINE

HANDICAP: 14

BRIELLE, N.J.

Trying the "body swing" was difficult for me because my normal swing is a lot more armsy, with not enough body movement. But the simple swing thought of getting your right shoulder under your chin helped me swing through the ball and finish my swing. This thought actually helped me draw the ball with my driver, something I've had trouble doing since I switched to one of those new monster drivers.

A longtime Golf Digest Schools instructor, Scott Davenport now teaches at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, N.C., home of the Wachovia Championship.