ESPECIALLY FOR HIGH-HANDICAP GOLFERS

Two of the most common errors that harry mediocre golfers is their failure to make a proper pivot and their tendency to let the left arm collapse before impact. Let us confine ourselves at this time to discussing the latter.

In a correct golf swing the left arm should be straight throughout an arc of some 180°: from shoulder height on the backswing through shoulder height on the swing-through. When the left arm collapses before impact, nine times out of 10 a pronounced slice results. Usually this collapse of the left arm is tied in with a premature turning of the right side and shoulder into the shot. When you rush the right side into the shot too soon, you throw your body and arms outside the correct line to the ball and you are then compelled to swing from the outside in to contact the ball. That right side must stay relatively inactive until much later in the swing. Maintaining your left arm straight and firm through impact will delay the action of the right side until the proper time.

When I had the considerable pleasure of working with the Duke of Windsor on his game, one of the points we gave major attention to was this alliance of the straight left arm and the retarded right side. I think the duke's mastery of this was as important as any one feature in his improvement from a 100 golfer to a low-80s player.

from GEORGE GORDON Wannamoisett Country Club, Rumford, R.I.

PHOTO

ILLUSTRATION

correct

ILLUSTRATION

incorrect

NEXT WEEK: DOW FINSTERWALD ON THINKING THE SHOT OUT