Add Flexibility to Add Consistency to Your Swing

Fix the Engine that Swings the Club
Now, on to the second point when it comes to consistency in golf. Again, this is probably the lesser known of the two points about consistency in the swing. But it is equally as important as the mechanics of your swing. One question might help you realize the importance of "the body" when it comes to the golf swing" What swings the golf club?

Some of the answers I have heard are: "my hands," "the swing," "my hips" and even "the grip." Well, these answers are in the ballpark and are close to being right, but let me simplify it for you. The answer is your body. It's simple when you think about it: The clubhead is attached to the shaft, your hands grip the shaft, your arms are attached to your shoulders, your hips rotate through the swing, and on and on we go. It is the body that swings the club. So why is this so important to consistency in your golf game?

We know from our golf lessons that there are certain positions the body is required to be in during the golf swing. For example, at address we know that the feet are slightly wider than shoulder width, knees slightly bent, back at a certain angle, head in a specific position, and our hands gripping the club a certain way. This is only the beginning of what the body has to do to swing the club correctly. Now, from the address position your body must move the club on the correct path and generate clubhead speed to hit the ball accurately and with power. Doing this over and over is what we define as consistency.

What most people do not understand is that for the body to perform the golf swing correctly, certain parameters need to be met by the body. The body must have certain levels of flexibility, strength, endurance, balance, stability, and power. If your body does not have the minimal levels of these factors in relation to the golf swing, then what do you think will happen? Well, let me tell you, it will be very difficult for the body to swing the club with the correct mechanics. And what will this result in over time? A large amount of time spent on the range with little improvement on the course and a swing that looks less than desirable.

So what does consistency in your golf swing really come down to?

It is vital to understand that improvements in your golf swing mechanics and improvements in your body specific to golf are equally important when it comes to creating a consistent golf swing. If you ignore either the body or the mechanics, it's safe to say that your golf swing and game will suffer. Take some time on a routine basis to address both the mechanics of your swing and the body supporting it. I think you will find the benefits to be very rewarding.

About the Author
Sean Cochran is a well-known golf fitness instructor who travels the PGA Tour regularly working with, among others, Phil Mickelson. To learn more about Sean and his golf fitness programs visit his Web site at www.seancochran.com.