After some very cold days recently Patrick and I got back to it. Today was a backswing day at PKU. Patrick really hammered on my right lat being too active; literally. As soon as I started my turn he would jam a finger or a knuckle into my right lat to get it to soften up. After he did this about 10 times I started to adjust by opening my right shoulder and keeping my right lat soft. This caused me to have an opportunity to turn at the very top of the swing.
Patrick would allow me to get about 3/4ths of the way through the backswing and he would stop me. He would then say, “turn with your shoulders.” The last little turn of the backswing has to be with the shoulders turning under. Patrick explained that you cannot get this final turn unless the right lat is soft and passive.
For the majority of the lesson we focused on the right lat and getting it to soften on the backswing. Patrick jammed his finger into my right lat enough where I quickly started to soften it and turn with my right side. Patrick also started to pull my right shoulder open at the top of the backswing but that is a layer I am sure we will touch on in the months ahead.
It was interesting to feel the right lat softening with each swing. By the time the lesson was over I understood how steep my backswing has been for over a decade. We are flattening that out which will allow me to hit the ball much better.
We did not touch on my legs or hips this lesson but I am certain once my right lat is soft with every backswing, we will make certain they are stabilizing and not giving up tension.
After the lesson I decided to play 18 holes of which I only got 9 in. I had a great time as I hit some really, really good shots. I had 3 birdies in 10 holes as I played my 8th hole twice because the people in front of me were slow. I really need to focus on getting that last little turn with my shoulders rather than my arms. If I lift with my arms to get the last part of the backswing I pull the ball hard right.
It has been quite the journey but we are getting closer and closer with every lesson.
