It’s a funny old thing, golf. Weird rules, funny traditions, weird looking implements in order to move the little white golf ball around. The golf swing is no different.
One of my all-time favourite swings is that of the Canadian pro, George Knudson. This rangy and very stylish fellow was known to possess control over the ball that rivalled Moe Norman and Ben Hogan. He whipped the club back to the inside, as his hands moved out towards the ball at the top, the club would gently fall into place. The result was a ball soaring off to its target. See here:
There was nothing forced. The set up was invariably closed to the target. This was a man who had built a natural swing. But what made it so good? What made this golf swing so effective?
One of the parts of the golf swing that George had was a tremendous rhythm. It was never rushed or forced. It seemed there was never any effort. It seemed like you could set a metronome by his golf swing. This isn’t a terribly difficult thing to acquire for yourself.
If you look at swings like George’s or Fred Couples, for example, they look like they are all syrup and take forever to hit the ball. Guys like Jon Rahm and Nick Price who have quick swings seem to have a swing that defies the shutter speed of a camera. But this is their personal rhythm. Your personal rhythm is easily found – look at how you walk. Some amble, some virtually jog.
This will tie in nicely to your swing. The quicker your step, the quicker your swing tempo.
The main reason George swung the golf club so well was his ability to let the club do as it was designed. Yes, he held on to it but as he swung his arms back, there was no manipulation of the club. As he started down, the club simply did what was natural and fell into place. That’s what the club wants to do – fall back to earth. He turned beautifully to the target and let the club strike the ball. He gave up control to gain control.
You too can do this. Many golf swings are tainted with the need to steer the ball to the target. There is no need. Once you have aligned the clubface and your body to the clubface, go ahead and swing it. One drill I really like to do is the old make a whoosh. If you can make a whoosh with the golf club you can swing it like George.
This game is hard enough without worrying about steering the ball around the paddock. Let the club swing. Make the golf swing the easiest thing you do.
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