Hips Open, Shoulders Square

Isn’t it funny that with all the instruction about backswing, downswing, finish position, posture, balance, etc., the only thing that truly matters in the swing is where you are at impact. It’s the moment of truth. Those who achieve a square clubface and good body positions at impact are going to hit good shots. That’s all there is to it.Improving other facets of your swing will make it easier to achieve the proper impact position, but thinking in terms of impact only, and where you need to be at impact, will help your game.

The most important aspect of the impact position is "hips open, shoulders square." All things being equal, that is how your body should look. And that is the position that all the other efforts in your swing should aim to achieve.

The best way to get in this position is to start your downswing with your hips bumping slightly laterally. This helps your club drop into the slot, which keeps your shoulders closed to the target for a bit longer. Your belt buckle faces out in front of you and your shoulders stay back and remain square.

Most amateurs, especially over-the-top slicers, do just the opposite. Their hips don’t move and they try to hit the ball with their upper body only. This opens the shoulders.There are variations in where your hips and shoulders are at impact. A lot depends on what position your clubface is in, which is in direct correlation to your grip.

If your grip is standard, then your shoulders should remain square and your hips should open as normal. If you have a super-strong grip, then your shoulders will need to be slightly open at impact, and your hips extremely open. This prevents the clubface from turning over and hooking the ball. And if you're a weak-gripper, your hips need to open less and your shoulders should actually be slightly closed at impact. This allows for your clubface to rotate back to square. If you open your body up with a weak grip, you'll hit a slice.

But the important thing to remember is that in every instance, your hips are more open than your shoulders. If you can think of this sensation at impact, you will hit the ball better.

A good practice drill is to emulate the impact position. Set up to the ball and pretend it’s impact. Square your shoulders and open your hips. Think of your shoulders as being parallel to the target line, and your hips as being perpendicular to it. Stretch it out to see if you can achieve that. Feel the resistance. Try to maximize it. Then, once you get the feeling of where you need to be at impact, hit some shots. Try to achieve this position when you strike the ball. You will hit the ball more solid and longer.

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