Transition - where the magic happens

The golf swing is a dynamic motion that is completed in a second and a half.

In that time, you have to deliver the club to a good top of swing position, return the club to the ball on plane, ensure the clubface is square to the target line at impact and release the clubhead through the ball for maximum speed.

Shoot me now. There has to be a simpler way to swing the golf club.

Andy Carter believes he learned that simpler way from Pete Cowen.

A former European tour player and winner, Cowen has coached former world #1 Lee Westwood, as well as a list of major champions including Rory McIlroy, Graeme McDowell, Louis Oosthuizen, Danny Willett, Sergio García, Darren Clarke, Henrik Stenson, Gary Woodland, and Brooks Koepka.

Cowen is the real deal when it comes to the golf swing.

The transition from the top of the backswing to impact and beyond may well be the most important fraction of a second in the golf swing.

“From the top of the backswing,” says Andy, “the upper body and the lower body work together to give you the perfect move.”

As a bonus, that perfect move works for both irons and driver.

Andy gives us a simple pump drill that will ingrain the move in our swings. Remember to pay attention to your trail elbow as you do this drill.

I’m taking this tip to the simulator today.

Bonus Tip:

This week’s bonus tip is from none other than Bryson DeChambeau, the longest major tour player on the planet.

He played a round of golf with Rick Shiels recently. Rick Shiels Golf is the largest YouTube golf channel with more than 2.7 million subscribers. In addition, The Rick Shiels Golf Show is a podcast that covers all things golf. If that weren’t enough, Rick has a review channel, called H.I.T. Golf, that offers honest, independent and trustworthy reviews of golf products.

With all that going on, it’s no wonder that Rick’s game is not where he wants to it to be.

Bryson noticed something in Rick’s swing that was keeping him from hitting his irons as consistently as he would like. In this video, Bryson gives Rick a drill that helps him get consistent ball-then-turf contact, resulting in longer, more accurate iron shots.

Put this drill in the memory bank for the next time you’re able to practice in a bunker.

As always, reply to this email with questions, comments or requests for tips that interest you. I will respond to every email.

Happy Holidays!