Today's tip stems from an email I recently received from John Crowe, who wrote:
"Surge
My new vertical swing is working wonders on my driver, fairway woods and hybrids but I am having a lot of trouble with my irons. It appears to me that I am hitting them out on the toe and producing a weak left to right shot (I am right- handed). Also my divots are pointing consistently left. I have had my irons adjusted for lie. Can you figure out what I am doing wrong?"
Well, John's symptoms are pretty common and since he didn't say anything about checking his alignment, that's where I would start. If he has a wide open stance, that could be causing his ball flight issue. When most people who slice (or hook) can't seem to remedy the problem, they tend to start to "play" for the slice or hook--which just makes matters worse, in my opinion. Besides losing a good amount of forward distance when they hit a banana ball, they get themselves into a pattern that actually requires them to hit the bad shot in the first place. What's wrong with that picture? EVERYTHING! The vast majority of swing problems are caused by poor alignment so get in the habit of checking to see if everything is square to the target line when you setup. While you are at it check your other setup keys and your grip.
John mentions that his divots are consistently aiming left and that he's hitting a lot of shots out on the toe of his clubs. These are consistent with an outside-in swing pattern--the traditional path to slicing the ball. Other than poor alignment, there are a few other potential causes for this. If his shoulders are open, then he may be starting his FUS with his upper body and making a quick shoulder turn before the club drops down into the slot. This is a timing problem that could be solved by going back and reviewing the proper sequence of movements--Into the Catcher's Mitt, Up The Tree, Ring The Bell/Bump, Swing Up Through Impact, Forward Mitt, Up The Tree to a perfect T-Finish. If you get these movements out of sequence then a whole bunch of swing problems are likely to ensue!
Another cause of his slice may be that he is still rotating too much in his backswing and his club gets deep into the Sacred Burial Ground. And as we have demonstrated many times before, once you go there, the only way to get the club back on the aiming line is to first cast the club up and out. Most people who do this have difficulty getting back on the line with the club square to the target and, instead, bring the club across the line from right to left (for right-handed golfers). A perfect prescription for a cut or a slice. Also make sure you maintain firm grip pressure throughout the swing. If you are casting your club up and out you may be re-gripping the club as you swing toward impact and leaving your club face open.
So to sum up today's points: When your swing develops a problem, your first course of action should always be to check your alignment (and other setup keys). The source of 80%-90% of all swing problems can be found there. If you are properly set up and aligned, then check your turn. Are you limiting it to about 70 degrees and no more, or are you still making a rotational swing type of turn of 90 degrees or more? Remember to stop turning as soon as your forward arm is parallel to the toe line. From there it's all lift until your hands are at ear level or slightly above and the club is in the 12 o'clock position. Then initiate your swing with The Bump and transition your weight to your left side as you swing up through impact.
Keep it vertical!
The Surge
If you can't view the YouTube video above try CLICKING HERE. You must allow popups from this site for the link to work.