John Lucas

In an interview many years ago, Ben Hogan said he could harness the golf swing of a high-handicap hacker into that of a sensationally good swinger and do it in only a few weeks.

 

“Sensationally good” is the right term to apply because a good golf swing will be founded on sensations.

A sensation, according to the dictionary, is an impression made on the mind through one of the organs of sense or by external objects.

 

Here are some ways to get the sensation of a connected swing:

 

1. Tie a belt around your upper arms. (A rope will do). Just straighten your arms (not stiff, just extended) and tie the belt or rope somewhat snugly just above the elbows. This will allow you to sense the proper folding of the right arm on the back swing and the left arm on the follow through. It also will give your senses a feeling of the proper release of the club.

 

2. Make a similar loop around your legs above the knees. Now you will have the feeling of firm balance essential to a sound swing. With that harness holding your knees in proper position, you have to swing in good balance or come close to falling forward or backward, according to the error you have made.

 

These things will really help you learn the good sensations essential for quality golf shots. Flying elbows and poor balance are the main causes of poor swings in unskilled players. Also, watching skilled players hit golf shots will greatly enhance your senses.

Rules teaser:

A player took relief from a lateral water hazard. He dropped it two club lengths from the hazard line, but his ball rolled to more than three club lengths. He re-dropped with the same result. He re-dropped a third time and the ball lay within the two club lengths. He then played his shot. Ruling?

 

Answer to last column’s teaser:

 

A ball knocked off a tee within the teeing ground may be re-teed. True or false?

 

If it happened accidentally while addressing the ball, yes. If a swing was made at the ball, no.

 

John Lucas is the golf professional at SkyRidge Golf Course and can be reached at john98382@olypen.com.