A proper golf swing features a solid turn to the top, followed by a shift of your weight onto the front side as you transition into the downswing toward impact. But with a poor golf swing, players will sway — not turn — to the top and then slide back toward the target during the downswing, which can cause a host of problems.
Watch any pro golfer and you can see the proper sequence in their move. Take the swing of LPGA pro Gabi Ruffels below. You can see how she turns to the top and then “bumps” her hips toward the target as she transitions into the downswing. The result is an efficient and powerful swing that every amateur is envious of.
It’s absolutely absurd that @GabiRuffels has only been playing competitive golf for six years. One of the best swings in the game🤤 pic.twitter.com/fDVa6Hj7DT
But while this sequence can look simple when the pros do it, it’s anything but. When trying to perfect this sequence, lots of recreational golfers will instead sway their bodies, which is not what you want to do.
Luckily, GOLF Top 100 Teacher Kevin Sprecher has a perfect drill to cure this ailment, and all you need is a single club.
Take the club and put your hands on both ends, putting pressure on either side to hold the shaft between your hands. Next, make a few body turns back and through while holding the shaft. Keeping pressure on either end of the shaft will help eliminate the sway and force you to turn properly.
This is a great drill to use at the range — or even while on the course — that will teach you the feel of a proper turn and eliminate the sway in your swing.
Zephyr Melton is an assistant editor for GOLF.com where he spends his days blogging, producing and editing. Prior to joining the team at GOLF, he attended the University of Texas followed by stops with the Texas Golf Association, Team USA, the Green Bay Packers and the PGA Tour. He assists on all things instruction and covers amateur and women’s golf. He can be reached at zephyr_melton@golf.com.
