Mastering the Golf Swing Part 2: The Startup
Welcome back to our "Mastering the Golf Swing" series, brought to you from the beautiful Poppy Hills, home of the Northern California Golf Association (NCGA). In this second installment, we dive into a critical component of your golf swing—the startup, also known as the takeaway. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or a beginner, mastering the startup can set the foundation for a powerful and consistent swing.
Understanding the Importance of the Startup
Some experts claim that the setup is 80% of the golf swing. While that might be up for debate, what we do know is that the setup plays a significant role in the success of your startup. The startup phase begins the moment you start moving the club away from the ball, and it sets the tone for the entire swing.
In this phase, we're focusing on ensuring that your body and club are in perfect harmony, setting you up for success. This is where the Live View Golf Camera becomes an invaluable tool, allowing you to monitor and perfect your swing in real time.
The Triangular Foundation
Let's start by revisiting a concept from our previous post: the triangle formed by your arms and legs. During the startup, it's crucial that this triangle remains intact, stacked directly on top of each other. This alignment helps prevent common errors like pulling the club inside, which can throw off your entire swing.
By using the Live View Golf Camera, you can visually confirm that your arms and legs are forming the correct triangular structure. This structure is essential for keeping the club out in front of you, allowing for a smooth and controlled takeaway.
The Three Wheels of Motion
When discussing the startup, it’s important to think about the three "wheels" in motion: the club head, the hands, and the shoulders. Each of these wheels moves at a different speed and distance:
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Club Head: The club head travels the furthest—about 12 to 15 feet, depending on the club. Because of this large arc, the club head needs to start moving sooner and faster to maintain a proper swing plane.
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Hands: Your hands will only move about five feet during the startup. While they are moving at a slower pace, their positioning is critical to maintaining the correct plane.
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Shoulders: The shoulders move the least, only about six inches. However, their movement is vital in keeping the swing balanced and in sync.
To achieve a smooth and effective startup, these three elements must work together in perfect harmony. None should dominate the others; instead, they should blend seamlessly to keep the club on plane and in front of your chest.
Perfecting Your Startup with Live Feedback
One of the most effective ways to monitor your startup is by using technology like the Live View Golf Camera. By recording your swing and analyzing it on your iPad or other devices, you can make real-time adjustments to ensure you're practicing correctly. Here’s how to maximize your startup practice:
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Check Your Alignment: As you start your swing, ensure that the triangle of your arms remains stacked on the triangle of your legs. This helps prevent bringing the club inside, which can lead to mishits.
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Monitor the Club Head Speed: Since the club head has the furthest to travel, it needs to start moving quicker. Pay attention to how the club head is moving in relation to your hands and shoulders. A smooth and quick startup will keep the club on the correct plane.
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Blend the Three Wheels: The key to a successful startup is the synchronization of the club head, hands, and shoulders. Use the Live View camera to watch how these three elements work together, ensuring none of them dominate the swing.
Down-the-Line View Insights
When observing your startup from the down-the-line view, focus on the alignment of your hip sockets over your ankles. Your tailbone should be positioned three to four inches outside your heels, which helps maintain balance. If your alignment is off, it can cause the club to travel too far inside or outside, disrupting your swing path.
Additionally, pay close attention to your hands during the startup. They should remain on a straight path or "rain gutter" to stay on plane. Your shaft should also maintain a consistent plane without moving too far inside or outside.
Final Thoughts
The startup is a vital part of the golf swing, serving as the foundation for everything that follows. By mastering the coordination of your club head, hands, and shoulders, and using tools like the Live View Golf Camera for real-time feedback, you can ensure that your swing starts off on the right foot.
Stay tuned for the next part of our series, where we'll cover the "9 o'clock" or "P2" in the swing. Until then, keep practicing, stay focused, and enjoy the journey to mastering your golf swing.
About Patrick Parrish
Patrick Parrish was named the 2016 Northern California PGA Instructor of the Year. Patrick has coached dozens of juniors to Division 1 scholarships. If you are interested in contacting Patrick for questions, he can be reached at www.pparrishgolf.com
Note: This blog post is part of a series brought to you by Live View Sports, creators of the Live View Golf Camera, an essential tool for golfers looking to perfect their swing through real-time video feedback.