Check your Elbow at the Top

A solid, on plane golf swing requires correct positions of the club and the body at the top of the backswing.  A ‘flying’ trail elbow at the top of the backswing encourages a shaft plane that tends to be too steep and often leads to the old ‘over the top’ move on the way down inspiring fades and slices.  Keeping the trail elbow pointed more down to the ground at the top of the swing is a key to keeping the shaft of the club in a good position at the top.  A good ‘down the line’ view of your swing should find your hands comfortably off your trail shoulder at the top of your backswing with your trail elbow on or just inside the seam that runs down the side of your shirt.  An easy thought to help promote this position is to try to maintain the distance between your elbows as you rotate your shoulders into the backswing… don’t let your elbows start to separate as you take the club back and you will find a much better position at the top.

Dave Lengyel