Forward Press

I have been told by a low handicap friend that a forward press would help stop my fast, jerky takeaway I was just wondering if any of you guys have any views on this? Thanks.

There are many different ways to make a start to the swing Hathaway.

The forward press (as used by Nicklaus and Faldo for example) is a very good way to do this. Just watch that during the press you dont alter the clubface angle or you may have accuracy problems.

Another good swing cue is to move turn your head ever so slightly along the direction of the backswing, only move it an inch or so and keep your eyes on the ball. The thinking behind this is that the head, being the heaviest part of the body for its size, starts everything moving fluidly as it carries the greatest momentum.

If you are having problems with a jerky takeaway, try and imagine starting the swing with the elbows rather than the wrists and keep the wrists rigid for the first few inches of the swing. The best way to do this is to picture a bar connecting the elbows with a handle in the middle. Imagine someone pulling this handle back away from the ball as you try to keep everything still. Then as your left elbow crosses your body start your wrist cock and complete a nice full turn before you start pulling the club back down.

Good Luck,

D.