Golf: Major Swing Differences Between Amateurs & Pros

This is something that amateurs should be able to do as well as their professional counterparts, but it rarely works out that way. The professional has her left shoulder facing the target with her left foot directly underneath the shoulder. She plays the ball midway between her feet. An amateur is likely to open her left shoulder and not address the ball squarely. She is also likely to play the ball about a ball length or two closer to her front foot than her back foot.

The professional golfer begins his swing by turning his hips to the right. As his hips turn, he follows by getting his hands and arms into the swing. But the hips are clearly the engine of the swing and get it started. The amateur golfer gets into the swing with his hands and arms. He may know about turning the hips, but when he is involved in a close match with his playing partners, he will try to overpower the ball by making a fast backswing with his hands and arms.

When a professional golfer begins her downswing, she uses her full left side (front side for a right-handed golfer) to begin her pass at the ball. Again, the hips are the engine of the swing. The hips have started to turn to the left and then the left side begins to attack the ball. This is done in a smooth and rhythmic basis. When an amateur swings, she will often begin with her left side diving into the ball but instead of a rhythmic swing it will be done with a swaying action that will prevent her from completing the swing. A swaying motion of the hips often leads to an incomplete swing

One of the most important factors during the swing is keeping your left arm straight and your left elbow locked as you make contact with the ball. The professional will do this as a matter of course because he knows that if he bends his elbow he will lose accuracy and distance. However, an amateur golfer may lose control of his elbow and allow it to fly open on contact, usually resulting in a ball that hooks to the left.

A professional golfer knows that finishing the swing is a must if you are going to play well and shoot a low score. The professional will always finish a full swing with her hands and arms at shoulder level. Many amateurs do not finish their swings and pick their heads up shortly after contact because they want to admire their shots. This is a big mistake that can cost 40 yards or more in distance. Professionals keep their heads down through the shot and finish with their hands up high. Amateurs don't do this consistently.