| Kuro-kuro Ko Lamang |
by: Rtn. Chuck Montecillo
Ever since my "Jungolf" days, I have always had a kind of grasp on
what goes on in a golf swing. Don't get me wrong, I am not saying that I'm a Pro or that
I'm an expert on the subject. I was just able to understand the basic mechanics of the
golf swing, both in practice and in theory.
The golf swing can be broken down in to three parts, the back swing, the down swing and
the follow-through.
The back swing is the part that sets everything up. The club is taken back slowly and
smoothly, with the upper body twisting. This twisting motion coils the upper body, storing
energy, to be released during the down swing.
The down swing is a smooth and fast motion, that takes the club face in contact with the
ball. The energy stored during the back swing is released at this stage, hurtling the golf
ball to its intended target (or so we hope).
The follow through, well, is simply the continuation of the down swing and serves nothing
more than a way for the golfer to dissipate the energy released during the down swing.
Basically, that's all we golfers are trying to accomplish. Sure there are many details
that I didn't get in to like the arc of the swing plane, ball position, wrist action, foot
work etc., but you get the picture.
There really hasn't been very many "breakthroughs" in the mechanics of the golf
swing. With a more scientific approach taken by the "pros", the biggest change
would be the more stable "footing" (less movement with the legs). This did two
things, the first, was the "coil" created during the back swing, became tighter
(storing more energy). And the second, it created a shorter and simpler swing (more
repeatable).
Because our bodies are not machines, we tend to make mistakes in making our shots, in
different areas of our swing. This is what causes bad shots (besides the bad habits that
are already second nature, caused by poor instruction during the learning stage). So a
simpler swing is easier to repeat, improving our chances of making a good shot.
Stick to the basics, and try to understand the components in a golf swing. This way, you
can identify the areas that need work. Consult a reputable "pro" (to help you
with the details I left out) and practice in the driving range (not on the course), the
ONLY place to make changes and adjustments to your golf swing.
Or, simply hit the ball down the fairway, then to the green, then putt it in to the hole.
And, you didn't even have to read it in a golf magazine.... Or, did you? |
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