PHOTO PROVIDED
Imagine hitting a section of a two-by-four on the end and sliding it through the grass, don’t try lifting the ball.
Golfers who have trouble getting the ball off the ground when hitting fairway woods usually have poor balance and are too aggressive. Try keeping the head still while allowing the head to tilt to the right slightly, to the left for the lefty.
A proper setup is very important. The right shoulder must be lower than the left, allowing the spine angle to lean to the right (to the left for the left-handed golfer). The golf ball should be aligned with the left heel to promote a slightly upward club path at impact (the right heel for the left-handed golfer).
The eyes should stare at the ball while keeping the upper body up and flexing the knees.
The shoulders rotate around the spine. The hands should be very passive and relaxed. The forearms should feel like rubber just hanging down. The club should swish through the hitting area like a roller coaster picking up speed.
Allowing the wood to strike the ball with a slightly downward blow will propel the ball upward.
Don’t forget to enjoy this great game called golf.
Rick Musselman, a golf author and professional, owns Musselman’s Golf in Williamsport.
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