After a rainout yesterday it was time to get back to work. Patrick let me know at the beginning of the lesson that I would be hitting the ball with full swings today. We started with work on the backswing and then the downswing. After the transition of the downswing and the first move, Patrick said, “now keep your navel moving toward the target.” This was an important step in improving. Now I understand why Rory McIlroy and Dustin Johnson are so very good at golf.
Halfway down on the downswing, it is important to remain patient and let the navel drive towards the target. This is true speed. Allowing the club to lag while doing this takes a lot of patience and trust. There were a few three quarters swings in which I did a great job and could feel my core staying ahead of my arms. It was a great feeling.
When I work on my full swing, it is still difficult to allow the downswing to develop before wanting to get the club to the ball with my hands and arms. That said, I am definitely better. The most unique feel is that after I hit the ball the club almost feels horizontal to the ground and I don’t have the ability to let it go over my head quite yet. For now, this is fine. Patrick said that in time I will get comfortable and just relax and the club will go over my head.
It has been quite the journey but it has been fascinating to get the feel for the correct backswing, a slow transition and allowing the core (navel) to stay ahead of the arms and shoulders on the downswing. We are still a few weeks out from actually playing but I can start to see things coming together. That said, I have no expectations as I am simply taking it day by day. This has been very good for my mental health in terms of my golf game.
