Leslie Guttenberg, LPGA: Knocking off the Rust

A new season is here again and you are ready to jump right into your golf swing. A recess from golf can lead to stiffness of unused golf muscles.  Even if you spent the winter working out with weights and aerobic exercise, you may be in for a surprise.

The simple idea is that the turning motion of the golf swing is different than the up and down motion of running and lifting. A steady couch position or a winter workout without any rotational movement could delay the start of your golf game.

When students come to me early in the season, I often notice that their shoulder and torso turns have become somewhat limited over time-off from golf.

Turning and Resisting
One of the major parts of the golf swing is the turning motion of the hips and shoulders. The combination of torso, hips and shoulders turning together at different degrees produces a resistance that helps control the golf club and helps maximize clubhead speed. Without this turning motion and resistance, the player consistently struggles with the arms trying to control the swing. Bypassing these power muscles hinders the potential of natural acceleration and desired distance and control. This turn does require some flexibility but not a major yoga or ‘Gumby’ move. So, keep reading.

Wake Up Call
A layoff due to cold weather, injury, work or family matters can produce a sluggish swing.  The body may not want to create resistance.  In fact, the body may want to take the path of least resistance.  In the golf swing, resistance happens when the upper torso and shoulders turn while stabilizing the lower torso and legs. When the upper torso and shoulders turn to a fuller degree than the stabilized hips, a coiling action occurs. This coil is called resistance.

Personally Speaking
My most recent experience of my mind and body battling in this area took place on the driving range at Kiawah Island’s Ocean Course. The winds were blowing at 30 mph and I had just finished a big, delicious lunch. Between the winds and the lunch, turning my shoulders and torso was the last thing I wanted to do. Here I was at one of the top courses in the country, with the Atlantic Ocean as a backdrop and I could not control my golf club. I wasn’t even sure that I wanted to play, as the caddies and I watched my golf ball do trick shots. However, by recognizing my lack of shoulder and torso turn, I was able to get back on track, pushed through the defiance and was able to experience this incredible golf course with success.

Why Don’t We Turn:

• Lack of proper training.
• Muscles are too bulky.
• Muscles are too rigid (physical and/or mental tension).
• Posture in the set up position is incorrect.
• Limitations and fear caused by injuries.
• Stubbornness.

Turning the Upper Torso and Shoulders
Everything moves away from the ball in unison in the start of the golf swing. Some players may trigger their swing with a shoulder move or hip move, but in general, it is important to keep all of these components moving together for easier timing. “Everything” in this case means that the torso, the shoulders and the hips are all turning with the arms in the backswing. If the upper torso is frozen or motionless, the shoulders cannot turn. The upper torso opens the door for the shoulders to turn with the hips.