Learn How To Play Golf!

The Mechanics of the Golf Swing

The golf swing is probably the most important factor in the entire game of golf. It determines how far and in which direction the ball will travel, as well as the overall success of the player’s performance. The right golf swing is not about the strength of the golfer, neither it is about their age or size - but rather about their flexibility and the ability to hit the ball long and straight.

A golf swing is primarily about physics. The mechanics of the golf swing determines that the ball reaches its aim. An amateur hitting off the tee using a driver, should have a club speed of about 70 or 80 miles per hour and the ball’s initial speed when it leaves the tee of around 80 miles per hour.

Professional golfers typically have a club speed of about 100 miles per hour and an initial ball speed of about 140 miles per hour within two feet off the tee. Not all of them are big men - watch Tiger Woods who at under 160 pounds can hit the ball over 300 yards consistently with a club head speed of about 125 miles per hour.

Looking at the golf swing from the physics perspective, lining up the club head behind the ball and balance your weight on both feet is the first basic step. The mechanics of the swing is important in developing the kind of club head speed needed for long drives. During the back swing, the weight should be shifted to the right leg and by the top of the backswing; practically all weight should be balanced on the back foot.

As the golf swing begins its descent, weight should be slowly shifted to the front leg so that it is holding most of the golfer’s weight upon impact. This process allows the golfer to focus all their energy on the swing and flexibility allows the club to travel higher in the arc of the backswing giving it more speed as it strikes the ball.

The mechanics of the golf swing may seem simple, yet it can be very tricky and may require a lot of practice. While every player should try to find their own individual golf swing, maintaining a square position of the club head to the ball is the major factor that determines the success of your golf swing.

June 18, 2007 | In Articles |