Every now and then, golfers need to make a change to their swing patterns. There are several legitimate reasons for making a golf swing change, including age, chronic injury and self-improvement. 
However, before making a swing change, consider the big picture first. Let’s take a look at the following rules to help you make the change you need with as little hassle as possible.
1. First, make sure your problem lies in your mechanics and not your nerves. It is not uncommon for golfers to have one or two particular shots that truly rattle their nerves, but instead of assessing this as a mind problem, they blame it on their swing.
2. Any change in your swing should be based on one of the six fundamentals of the golf swing itself. The first one is the grip. Before you change the way you hold the club, make sure you can see a problem. If your grip is too strong or too weak, then go ahead and make the change. Next test your change on the driving range, and if the problem still persists, or you do not get the results you want, then your grip was probably not the problem.
3. A further fundamental is your posture. Have someone look at your posture as you set up for your address. Consider the width of your stance, as well as the angle of your back, shoulders and knee flex. Changing any one of these can impact your shot results. Again, be sure to test your new golf swing before making any more changes.
4. Next, have your pivot movement assessed. Ask someone to watch your head and hips as you go through your swing to determine if there is a problem. As golfers get older and lose flexibility, it is common to experience a swing change due to a restricted pivot. In this case, it is important to realize the limitations caused by this natural process and to resist the urge to flex beyond your limit.
5. Then, have someone watch your hands and arms as you go through a full golf swing. Notice if your hands are too active or too firm. Your wrists should cock and uncock, and your left arm should remain as straight as possible during the swing.
6. Check your alignment as it relates to the target path. Some golfers are actually hitting the ball right where they are aiming it. Make sure your shoulders and feet are square with the target line.
7. Inspect your follow through. Many golfers dismiss it, mistakenly assuming that since they already hit the ball, the follow through does not make a difference. A good golf swing is smooth and polished, from start to finish.
8. When making a swing change, apply minor adjustments rather than huge ones. Always work on one aspect of your swing at a time to avoid confusion.
9. Be patient, because it may take several sessions before you discover the swing problem and start fixing it. The key is experimenting until you find the solutions that will work for you.
And finally, keep in mind that you need to practice. No golf swing change will work if you do not apply it on the range and the course. Your body needs to unlearn old, bad habits and adopt the new ones you have found.
Filed under: Golf Swing Tips • Golfing Tips
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