Golf Swing Path Tips: The Correct Path
by Dr. T.J. Tomasi A Legacy Post by Keiser University College of Golf Senior Faculty and Director of Research (1940-2023)
Golf Swing Path
The golf swing path is the trajectory that the clubhead follows during the swing, greatly influencing the direction and flight of the ball. An inside-to-outside swing path can produce a draw, causing the ball to curve slightly from right to left for right-handed golfers. Conversely, an outside-to-inside path often results in a fade or slice, with the ball curving from left to right. Maintaining a straight or slightly inside-to-out path is typically ideal for achieving a straight shot. The swing path is closely linked to the golfer’s stance, alignment, and body rotation. Proper alignment ensures the club follows the intended path, while consistent body rotation helps maintain this path throughout the swing. Swing path errors can lead to mishits and errant shots, emphasizing the importance of regular practice and alignment checks. Understanding and controlling the swing path is essential for consistent, accurate ball striking.
Inside-to-Outside Swing Path
An inside-to-outside swing path in golf involves the clubhead moving from inside the target line during the downswing and exiting outside the target line after impact. This swing path typically produces a draw, where the ball curves slightly from right to left for right-handed golfers. To achieve this path, golfers must focus on proper body rotation, alignment, and keeping their hands close to the body during the downswing.
Outside-to-Inside Swing Path
An outside-to-inside swing path in golf involves the clubhead moving from outside the target line during the downswing and crossing to the inside after impact. This swing path often results in a fade or slice, where the ball curves from left to right for right-handed golfers. To correct this path, golfers should work on improving their alignment, shoulder turn, and maintaining a proper swing plane to avoid cutting across the ball.
Straight Swing Path
A straight swing path in golf is characterized by the clubhead traveling directly along the target line during the downswing and through impact. This path typically leads to straighter shots with minimal curvature, ideal for hitting accurate shots towards the intended target. Achieving a straight swing path requires proper alignment, a balanced stance, and consistent rotation of the body through the swing.
How to Correct Golf Swing Path
In a good golf swing, the club shaft approaches the ball parallel to the target line when the hands are waist-high. Mistakes occur when the shaft approaches too severely from inside the target line, or too much from the outside. Good players tend to err on the inside track, with the butt end of the shaft pointing right of the target. High handicappers tend to approach from the outside, so the butt points left of the target. For each flaw, there is a compensating motion that develops over time. “Insiders” learn to flip their hands through impact to keep the ball from going right, while “outsiders” learn to hold on and “chicken wing” to keep the ball from going left. Neither compensation can be relied upon because excessive manipulation of the club cannot be done effectively over an entire round of golf.
The best drill to cure path problems is the ‘drop drill.’ Pause at the top of the backswing, and then start your downswing with two simultaneous motions: Transfer your weight into your target hip while your hands drop straight down to hip height. At this point, stop and make sure your entire club shaft is between the target line and the toe line. Pose and memorize, then repeat until the move is part of your motor memory.
Golf Swing Path Tips
A tip for slicers: Don’t let your right shoulder move until the club has made its drop.
A tip for hookers: Make sure your hips don’t lag behind the completion of the drop.
In his prime, Lee Westwood was one of the best iron players in golf because, at this point in his swing, all he has to do is turn through the ball without using his hands. This makes his release very “quiet,” so he doesn’t have to manipulate the club. Remember: Manipulation is the road to perdition.
Now you can see the writing on Westwood’s shirt, proving that he’s kept his torso rotating. Note how the club shaft is parallel to the target line, just as it was in the previous photo. This is the symmetry of great golf.
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Want more tips? If you want to take your game to the next level, contact our team at Keiser University’s College of Golf & Sport Management today. With our dedication and experience, we can elevate your game to new heights together. Give us a call today at 888-355-4465.
