Bend that Arm. Draw that Ball

Filed in archive Golf Instruction on January 5, 2008

Courtesy: AP Photo

I was perusing GolfIndustryOnline this morning and noted that they have extensive lists of "top ten" products from last year.

The site breaks the products down into drivers, hybrids, irons, wedges, putters and so on and even includes "top tens" for shafts and shoes.

I pass that along for what it may be worth.

What really caught my eye was an article way down at the bottom of the home page written by Johnny Miller.

Miller tackles that age-old swing flaw among recreational golfers - the slice - and he does so from his usual, unique viewpoint.
Miller maintains that the swings of the great faders of the ball like Nicklaus, Woods and many others all show a straight left arm at the top of the backswing.

He then says that the great players who draw the ball like Palmer, Jones and others, have a bend in their left elbow at the top of the backswing.

That's the key, says Miller, to not only ridding yourself of a persistent slice but learning to draw the ball as well.

I am not one to argue with Johnny Miller but I have always had trouble keeping my left arm straight at the top of my backswing and while I don't slice the ball, my natural shot pattern with the driver is a fade.

Maybe when all other mechanics in the swing are flawless, the bent left arm can encourage a draw.

The golf swing has as many sides to it as Italy has Political Parties.

Run this one up the flagpole and let's see who salutes.