Today was another backswing today at PKU where we really focused on the “crease” of the right leg. Patrick had me put my right hand on that crease and told me to turn into it with our practice turns with no club in my hand. I am starting to understand why my right site wanted to pull. If that crease does not resist, there is no way the right lat is going to broaden causing the right elbow to tuck. The more I can hold the crease, the more I can feel my right side opening up at the top of the backswing.
Brad King swung by to talk to Patrick and wanted to see my progress. I had the spotlight on me and actually hit a handful of really good shots. Brad said that it is great to just “hear that sound” at impact. Interestingly, I do not notice that much difference in the sound but that is likely because I have been going through this process for 229 lessons and the sound has gradually changed for me.
Patrick really twisted me up and has started working on my right shoulder as I get to the top of the backswing. If I can maintain the crease and allow my left side to create the turn, my right side is along for the right but still remains tight. Patrick is going to have to put a lot of effort into loosening up my right shoulder and upper right side. I know this is the last layer to my swing but it is a tough one.
If I can get great depth and hold the crease as much as possible I am really starting to hit the ball quite well. I know my arms can sometimes get ahead of my turn but if I can turn before the arms, I really compress the ball and hit it with a tremendous amount of spin. I went out and played 9 holes after my lesson. On the 6th hole I hit an approach wedge from 90 yards that hit 15 feet past the pin and spun all the way back to tap in distance. This visual and type of golf shot is what I have been working for for the past 30 months.
I still live on the toe of the club which I am certain Patrick will clear up but when I don’t hit it solid my divot is inside the ball. Part of this is I am still a little tense with the right leg and right side through impact and part of it is the fact that I set up with the ball closer to the toe than the heel. These are fixes I do not know how to do but I am certain Patrick will address them when the time is right.
