Just take a look at some of the greatest players to have ever played the game - Nicklaus, Palmer, Player, Faldo, Woods - all great champions and major winners, each with their unique way of striking a golf ball. But there is one thing all these players have in common. Solid foundations.
Anthony Froom, who has been coaching golfers of all levels at Chart Hills Golf Club for over 6 years, recognised the importance of fundamentals early in his career and considers them to be an integral part of his coaching lessons for all students. He says:
"I try to teach in a very simple format, I will always start with the set up, building the best possible foundations to work from. Once the set up is in correct order elements of the 'in swing' process can be looked at, obviously on an individual basis. I try to keep changes to a minimum so as not to confuse the individual. One 'in swing' thought is more than enough per session."
Golfers who are keen to improve their technique often fall prey to the paralysis through analysis syndrome, overcomplicating their golf swing by trying to focus on multiple (often contradictory) 'in swing thoughts' as Anthony describes them. Many amateur golfers would be surprised by how much of a professional golfer's practice time is dedicated to solidifying fundamentals as opposed to complicated swing movements.
The fundamentals of a golf swing can be broken down into the following:
- Grip
- Stance
- Posture
- Ball Position
- Aim
In future articles in this series, we will go into greater depth about each of these fundamentals and why they are so important to your golf game. We will also help you create a mental checklist for your fundamentals which you can practice until it becomes second nature and helps you to avoid unforced errors under pressure on the golf course.
Many golfers talk at length about the technicalities of a golf swing; swing plane, weight shift, pivot, wrist-hinge, etc. While all of these are important, most golfers find that the quickest way to sustainable improvement in golf swings is to focus on the basics - Get your 'bread and butter' right and you will be well on your way to lowering your handicap and achieving your goals for this season.
Anthony's Bio:
I have worked at Chart Hills Golf Club for over 6 years. I turned pro at the age of 21 and then completed the PGA degree through The Univeristy of Birmingham, prior to this I also achieved an HND in Golf Management Studies at Merrist Wood College. I had good success as an amateur golfer, representing Kent on many occasions, winning County events and achieving a scratch handicap by the age of 17. I focus my interest on coaching nowadays and have worked with golfers of all abilities, from beginners through to scratch golfers. I enjoy the challenge and the excitement of improving somebody's golfing game or just allowing them to enjoy or understand their golf more.
