TOP 50 TEACHER Gareth Johnston
PGA Professional and Director
of Golf at Calcot Park, Berkshire
PLAY BETTER
Four steps to…
A BETTER BACKSWING
1
H
ere is a four-step drill that makes it easier
to find good shape at the top. Repeat it
until the position you find begins to feel
familiar… then use it as a reference for your
top-of-the-backswing position during the
swing itself.
2
TAKE YOUR STANCE
LOAD THE WRISTS
Play the ball just forward of centre. Make sure your lead ear is just behind the ball; this
will help you pivot just behind it as you make your backswing.
3
Hinge the club vertically upwards, past your trail ear, and let it rest on your trail shoulder.
Keep your elbows close to your sides. Note how this action effectively cocks your wrists.
4
BACK TO TARGET
PUSH YOUR HANDS TO 10 O’CLOCK
Now rotate your torso through 90-degrees until your back is facing the target. This pivot,
troublesome to many club players, becomes easier when your arms are tucked and relaxed.
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2019
Finally, push your arms out to 10 o’clock to add width and extension. You are now rotated,
with your wrists hinged and your weight positioned powerfully to move into impact.