SECRETS OF GOLF.

Press, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20630, 20 August 1932, Page 17

SECRETS OF GOLF.

HOW TO GET LENGTH. POWER LIES IN PIVOT. (•fxciajllt warm* vox m nm.) (By Joyce "Wethered.) vn. My friends frequently say to me. "Can you tell me why I don't get further than I dot I ought to, with my strength." Well, the answer i* generally the same; that the hips arc not in the position at the top of the swing from which the body can get into the eorrect "hitting position" before impact. Therefore, although the golf swing is first and foremost a swing of the arms and shoulders, unless the power contained in the hips is brought into play there will be a failure to get the maximum distance. By pivoting the hips this power is fully developed. But there are more ways than one of using the hips, and a lot of them develop nothing except a very «*- desirable lurch of the body. The First Movement. Last week the preliminary movements of the club were described; also, how the hands and arms are called upon to start the swing. One point I must make very clear, because, although it may seem trivial, it is most important. The hands and arms must start to move before the body begins to pivot. I know that tbo balance and rhythm of many a good swing ia often spoilt by the body moving first, and in that way partly causing the elub head to begin the swing when the arms and hands should be beginning it. The lilps add great strength to the swing and control the balance of the player; but they must not actually begin the swing of the club head. That is a matter for the hands and shoulders.

Suggested Alteration. Wiis is a point to remember when the swing ia just not feeling quite comfortable, perhaps a little heavy and lifeless. The alteration I hare suggested will probably make all the difference. At the moment that the clab head is moving the pivoting of the hips begins. Try quite simply to press the weight of the body backon to the right foot until the right hip and log are in one upright Hie. will not cause a sway if the weight is moved only from the hips downwards. (The shoulders, it should be mentioned, should take no part in the pivot of the hips; they have their own separate action which will be discussed next week.) At the same time as the hips move in a lateral movement they should have a pivoting movement as well. This will come quite naturally if the weight is felt firmly on the heel of the right foot and if the right leg is kept straight and even pres-sH back a little. The hips will now have pivoted sufficiently. lifting the Weight. The movement I have described will have lifted the weight from the left foot except for a slight remaining pressure on the toe. and the left knee will be bending in the direction of the bs.II if the £>al] is lying midway betweer the two feet. All "this may sound as !f the hips have moved a great deal in the lateral direction. Actually, unless a wide stance is used, it may barely be a matter of an in eh or two. .Width of the Stance. Hie width of the sta&ee will determine the amount of the sway of the hips, and I would myself advoeate a stance narrow enough to allow the upright position of the right leg and hip to be reached easily 'and without strain. This position is a fine one from which to control the balanee of the body until the top of the swing is reached. The liips are well placed to move into the forward "hitting position'' when that moment arrives.