Pay Attention To The Right Arm To Make The Left Better

In today’s lesson, CD explains the importance of the right arm angle at the top of the swing.

Left arm straight on the backswing for right handed golfer. Please reverse this information if you were left handed golfer.

It has been suggested over a number of years for right handed golfers to keep their left arm straight on the backswing and on the downswing. This is correct with a lot of GREY area involved.

Let me explain.

Not to get too complicated or mathematically involved — the radius for right handed golfer is from the left shoulder to the club head.  It is very important that this line stays intact.  But, unfortunately many and most golfers take this to the extreme. Consequently they try to keep this left arm so straight through out the golf swing they wind up creating no feel or rhythm in the backswing.

I’m going to explain what keeps the left arm straight or relaxed doesn’t have to be taunt in the backswing.

For right handed golfers the right arm dictates what the left arm does on the backswing. The right arm is the fulcrum that creates the plane and position of the left arm. If your right arm does not create a 90=degree angle from the halfway point to the top of the backswing, the left arm is going to break down. It is physically impossible to keep your left arm straight or relaxed if your right arm folds into a 45-degree angle

Look at all your professionals and accomplished golfers at the top of the backswing and you’ll see that the right arm and majority of all these players most of the time is in a 90-degree angle. Of course there’s going to be exceptions to the rule depending upon the athleticism of the individual.

Note:

Some of the descriptions of the right arm position at the top of the backswing is like holding a tray of cocktail glasses or holding a pizza pie.

This is correct;

Here is where a lot of players get the misconception of the left arm position at the top of the backswing.

When you are playing with your friends they are always  looking at your golf swing from the side view — not from down the line or your intended flight.  All your playing partners can see is the left arm from that camera angle or position.  They cannot see what your right arm is doing on the backswing. Consequently from this angle, it looks like your left arm is bending or not staying in a straight or a relaxed position. This is a very misleading assumption.

Here is a suggestion to try to keep your left arm in a better position. Try to get your right arm in a very supportive position on the backswing and at the top of your backswing to support your left arm. When the right arm is working properly you’ll be able to maintain your left arm or radius in a straight or relaxed position.

Here is what I would suggest:

Take a backswing and hold it at the top of your backswing and check your right arm position making sure it is in 90-degree angle.

If it is in this position I am sure your left arm will be in the position you’re looking to accomplish.

Stay tuned!

CDG