ESPECIALLY FOR HIGH-HANDICAP GOLFERS

On the first tee of any club you will see all types of pivots—sways, dips, locked right knees or no pivot at all. The pivot is a rotating motion of the hips and shoulders to the right. They should rotate on the same level they were in at address. As they begin to turn, you should feel the right leg twisting against the ground as the weight from the left side shifts onto the right. You are coiled up, in perfect balance on your right foot, with your back facing the hole. Your hips will start the downswing by uncoiling toward the hole, and you will finish in balance on your left foot, facing the hole.

To check your pivot motion, try this exercise. Without holding a club but with your hands in address position, extend your arms in front of you. Now turn to the right, stopping your hands hip-high. Your arms and hands are still in the same relative position as at address. However, if on your turn you dip the left shoulder and lock the right knee, your hands will have changed positions: the back of the left and the palm of the right face the ground. The result of this action is that you will hit with an open club face and slice.

from JOE LA MACHIA Locust Hill Country Club, Pittsford, N.Y.

PHOTO

ILLUSTRATION

address

ILLUSTRATION

correct

ILLUSTRATION

incorrect

NEXT WEEK: MARILYNN SMITH ON THE DRAG SHOT