Legs Do The Work

by Lawrence Hamilton
(Van Nuys, California)

I think this is great!

I would like to say that I have over fifty years experience of playing golf (since I was nine) and have taken many lessons with top golf coaches.

I have also been through every imaginable emotion possible and the main bit of advice I can impart on this page is 'legwork'.

Sure, you need a full backswing/shoulder turn, balance and complete finish, but without proper leg action, it's all upper body.

So I advocate that the rhythm of the swing is generated from the ground up. The legs start the 'momentum' back, and push through, using the ground for leverage. OK now you're confusing me

The same lower body action you would experience as if you were throwing a medicine ball. Eh? Now where did I put my medicine ball?

The 'sit' position is a result of this lower body leg action. No...It's a result of you having eaten that medicine ball for breakfast!

Once we realize this, a sense of rhythm results and feels natural.

Obviously, other factors come into the swing, such as allowing the right elbow to 'drop' inside the right hip as you begin the downswing and maintaining the angle of the left arm/shaft as long as possible. That sounds painfull!

The right elbow can never move too far inside. Ouch again!

But this is far too advanced for the novice golfer (and you!), and only working with a pro who understands this concept, will you fully understand how important this motion is. I would like to meet that pro!

For now, start focusing on legwork.

OK I think I've got the message Lawrence...I should throw medicine balls until my leg action gets into the rhythm...I am pretty sure if I can get my right elbow to drop inside my right hip and what did you say?

"It can never move too far inside."

Lets face it Lawrence you definately swallowed a golf tips encyclopedia before you wrote this article but must admit I enjoyed it.

I think it will help with the message that I am trying to spread on this site...

KISS

Keep
It
Simple
Sir Lawrence