Swing problem

Hi Guys,

Just wanted to get some input on the concept of getting your back facing the target in the backswing for a full swing shot. The problem I have is I stuffed a disc in my neck and for a very long time to come I won't be able to get to that position and keep my eyes on the ball.

So should I take my eyes off the ball to get the shoulder rotation or should I rotate the shoulders 50-60% and keep my eyes on the ball? What would the likely hazards be to hitting the ball cleanly and straight for either option.

I also have a one plane swing, I guess that would also affect the answers.

Thanks

Christopher

I would keep my eyes on the ball no matter how far back you go. Nothing is better then a perfectly struck ball...and I can only imagine your ability to hit the same spot is diminished if you have to refocus in .0125 seconds.

So have as much shoulder turn back as you are comfortable with while keeping focus on the ball. This may result a loss in power.

One idea to increase power might be to increase your hip turn back. This should allow your shoulders back a bit more releasing torque on your spine. Balance and timing will be a touch harder, but I think in comparison to the eye focus, should be a better result.

__________________
I'm a golfaholic, no question about that. Counseling wouldn't help me. They'd have to put me in prison, and then I'd talk the warden into building a hole or two and teach him how to play. ~Lee Trevino

Thanks Greg.

I do take your point about keeping my eyes on the ball, and I was leaning in that direction as well. I am a little confused about the hip thing.

I am a right hander, so are you suggesting to try and move my hips anti-clockwise to increase the torque in the spine at the top of the back swing?

Christopher

No, clockwise to reduce torque.

But you see the problem is in my neck, not my low back. If I put my back to the target with or without hip rotation to assist I still have the problem of not being able to put my neck into left rotation to keep my eyes on the ball.(wow what a long sentence, are there records for that sort of thing?)

Christopher

I'd say hit multiple shots with each method, and see what works best for you. From one perspective you don't need a full shoulder turn to get your weight transfered behind the ball (once you have the front shoulder behind the ball any additional turning will not do much for you - aside from creating a coiling feeling). From another perspective some very skilled pros have been known to hit balls with their eyes closed, or blind folded, so you don't have to keep your eyes on the ball.

Look at how much and what parts of Trevor Immelman's body is in front of the ball at setup in the picture below, and then look at what he has moved and how far it has moved when he competes his backswing (probably less than you might think).
http://img231.imageshack.us/img231/3...manfacepd3.jpg

Nick Faldo hitting shots blind folded:
http://www.golftoday.co.uk/proshop/f..._and_body.html

This may help?

Imagine you are hitting another ball that is sat a little way behind the real one, the imaginary one is teed up a little higher so that you hit down through it into the real one. And use your left eye as dominant.

just a thought.

Thanks Brian, this sounds like it might actually work. I can't try it just yet as every time a grab the putter at the moment my arm has pins and needles in it and the index finger goes numb. But on the lighter side the pain is getting easier.

I think I start to build a visualisation on this to get the muscle memory training started for when I can swing again(hopefully soon ).

Christopher

I had neck fusion done 7 years ago, so I do understand the pain you are going through. I am starting to play more golf this year and I no longer can swing like before. I am starting from scratch again with my swing. My backswing is shorter than before, but I make up for it with more hand speed. I am now going to the range a few times a week to improve my swing. My Neck Doctor told me last week to stop playing golf and basketball and to concentrate on crossword puzzles. I'm only 40yrs.