This 1 simple move will help you master transition, per top teacher
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Image via Dom DiJulia
Welcome to Shaving Strokes, a GOLF.com series in which we’re sharing improvements, learnings and takeaways from amateur golfers just like you — including some of the speed bumps and challenges they faced along the way.
Mastering the golf swing is…difficult.
With so many moving parts and components to it, getting everything sequenced correctly takes years of practice and repetition. It’s why even the best players in the world can go through slumps sometimes, because they simply lose their rhythm.
One of the trickiest parts of the golf swing comes in the transition, where it’s easy to fire your hips forward too soon, which opens up your body and causes frustrating mishits. It also leads to lack of distance, too, meaning you’re really putting yourself behind the 8-ball by ignoring this step of the swing.
But with the help of GOLF Top 100 Teacher Dom DiJulia, you can learn some tips to improve your golf swing transition — leading to better timing and purer shots. So take a look below at DiJulia’s advice.
Improve your golf swing transition with this simple move
“The transition is a part of the golf swing that clearly defines your ability as a player — maybe more than any other part of the swing,” says DiJulia. “If yours is dynamic and puts you in position to deliver the club into impact correctly, you’re probably a fairly good ball-striker.
“Unfortunately, the opposite is also true for those players who struggle with the transition.”
So if you’re struggling with tempo and thin shots, and are seeking better contact and more yards (we all are!), DiJulia suggests trying this simple drill to improve your golf swing transition.
First, make a three-quarter swing and pause. Unless you have the flexibility of an Olympic gymnast (highly unlikely), your left knee will be pointing towards the inside of your left foot.
Next, complete your backswing and distinctively bend your left knee — making sure it faces your left toes before trying to hit the ball. Once your knee is in that position, it’s time to hit the ball towards your target.
According to DiJulia, once you master this transition drill, you’ll be able to see major gains in your performance.
“You’ll create better tempo between your backswing and downswing,” DiJulia adds. “This will get you into a good position with added pressure on your left foot, helping solve any issues with fat and thin shots.
“When all of this is sequenced correctly, you’ll see an increase in power as well, since you’ll be using both horizontal and vertical forces in the swing.”
So give this simple drill a try to master your transition, allowing your golf swing to feel more fluid and in rhythm.
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