Why take a divot?
Taking a divot is physical evidence that
the golfer has delivered the clubhead using a downward and forward
blow.
How do I take a divot?
The first objective is to establish
exactly where the very "bottom or low" point of your swing
arc is located.
To find this out, stand in the address
position (without using a golf ball) with your weight evenly
distributed (50/50). Now slowly start swinging your arms, hands, shaft
and clubhead, back and forward using a very small
pendulum type swinging motion, allowing the sole of the club to brush
the ground at its "low" point. Continue swinging back and
forward. After a few practice swings you will notice that the
sole of the club keeps hitting the same spot on the ground. This spot
is the "Bottom Dead Center" of your golf swing.
Now simply shift your weight a little
over to your left side ( 60%). You will feel and see that the
"Bottom Dead Center" spot on the ground has also moved a
little to the left. Therefore the BDC of your swing is now positioned
slightly left (or forward ) of its original position. You will also
notice that by simply shifting your weight slightly over to your left
side (60%) that your arm's and hand's automatically follow and are
also left (or forward) of the golf ball, exactly where they
should be.
This now puts you in the correct position
to deliver the clubface to the ball first. The
divot will then be taken immediately after striking the ball
as the clubhead continues on its down and forward path, passing
through its new BDC point.
Note: For all
iron shots and fairway woods, at least 60% of your weight should
always be on your left side. Once again, this ensures the ball is
struck first, then comes the divot, ensuring solid
contact plus correct trajectory. Don't be afraid to take a divot. The
ball is struck first, and is already on its way
before the divot is taken.
Ron
Tutt
Director
of Golf (MGP)
conditions...
Free
golf lesson 2:
