Matter of Timing

Identifying some of the elements common in the swings of some of the world's best golfers - and copying them - is a sure way to synchronise your own motion for more power and less effort.

The concept of 'timing' in relation to the golf swing is something that is difficult to communicate (particularly to someone new to the game), and yet it's very obvious when a player witnesses at first hand the effortless power that good players seem able to generate with a smooth, flowing swing.

To grasp exactly what good timing involves, you have to understand how three key moving parts in the swing work in relation to one another - the three specific points of reference being the clubhead, the hands and the torso.

Once these elements are assembled in order at the set-up, the key is that they travel in the same general direction but at varying speeds in order to create an efficient swing and deliver the clubhead squarely to the ball at impact.

The Grip - A Good Swing Hinges on it

No matter how good your body action may be, unless you have a grip that allows the wrists to hinge freely you will never fully enjoy the sensation of swinging the clubhead and generating the speeds of which you are capable.

One of the biggest faults among amateur players is running the grip too high in the palm of the hand which effectively destroys its mobility, so check the position of your left hand. When you practise, hold the club at this 45-degree angle in readiness to fit the left hand.

This makes it easier to run the grip diagonally through the first joint on the forefinger all the way through to a point just below the base of the little finger.

With the hand correctly in position, you should then find that you are able to support the club with your fingers curled. When it comes to making your swing, the left will hinge naturally, allowing you to create a flowing motion