2-MINUTE CLINICS

3 ways to fix a steep swing

Even with the driver, it’s OK to have a little steeper swing into impact, as long as you’re not slamming down on the ball. When I feel like I’m getting too steep or start missing to the right, I focus on a few moves that help me round out my backswing. —Chris Gotterup

  • With a driver, play the ball forward in your stance and set your head behind it.
  • As you start back, turn and shift your head slightly away from the target (above).
  • Let your weight move to the heel of your trail foot as you go back.
  • On the backswing, keep the top part of your lead arm against your chest instead of lifting the club.
  • Let your trail leg straighten to promote a fuller hip turn (above).
  • Feel like your hands go more to the inside, and your arm swing is flatter, more around your body.
  • Try this drill to train the feel of a flatter backswing.
  • Cut a stretchy exercise cord to a length of about three feet.
  • Tie the ends together creating a loop that’s tight when stretched over your lead shoulder and around your ribcage on your trail side.
  • With a middle iron, make swings wearing the cord, feeling how it keeps your lead arm pinned to your chest as you swing back (above).