The Correct Arm Position for Your Golf Swing
By Steve Silverman
To have a chance to succeed in golf, it is essential to get in the proper setup positions. That includes having the correct position for your arms as you address the ball. The setup of the left arm is the key to the golf swing, since that is the lead arm and helps drive the left side to and through the ball.
Instructions
Difficulty: Moderate
Address the ball properly. Your left shoulder needs to be facing the target, and your left foot should be directly under your shoulder. This should help you get your arms in the right position.
Take a firm grip of the club and make sure your arms are hanging straight down. Your left hand should be at the top of the grip, and your right arm should be directly below your left.
Turn your hips to your right to get your swing started. As your hips move, your left arm has to direct your upper body. It also has to remain straight. You cannot bend your left elbow as you swing or you will lose power and accuracy.
Keep your right arm flexible as it goes backward, and keep it that way as you reach the top and then begin the downswing. Your right arm is basically coming for a ride on the golf swing until impact, when you will snap your right wrist to generate momentum and distance.
Keep your swing steady and smooth so you can keep your body fully involved in your swing. Rushing your swing will have a negative impact on your left arm's ability to make consistent contact, so slow down and keep your left arm straight.
Tips & Warnings
Practice your swing regularly at the range, and don't bend your left arm.
About The Author
Steve Silverman is an award-winning writer, covering sports since 1980. Silverman authored The Minnesota Vikings: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly and Who's Better, Who's Best in Football -- The Top 60 Players of All-Time, among others, and placed in the Pro Football Writers of America awards three times. Silverman holds a Master of Science in journalism from the Medill School of Journalism.
