Fundamentals Part 3: Take-away

The take-away is one of the most important positions in the golf swing because it immediately decides if your swing has the possibility of being on plane. Yes, it is possible to start off plane and re-route the club to be on plane coming into the ball (Jim Furyk), but it is not the most efficient or easiest way to swing.

From your address position hinge and unhinge your wrists vertically to get the feel of how the club will hinge on the back swing. Then when you are ready to swing, feel like your hands are arms are moving straight back while your shoulders turn slightly back and the club hinges vertically in your hands. This will produce an on plane take-away that will set you up for the rest of your backswing.

Here is a picture of KJ Choi to show a proper take-away:

Notice the club head is in line with KJ Choi's hands and the club shaft is pointed parallel to his target line. The wrists are starting to hinge up and shoulders and hips have turned the proper amount. The club head is NOT back behind his body or way out in front of him. 

This is the start to a great backswing, which will set up your downswing and allow you to make proper contact with that ball. Practice this take-away many times at home before you take it to the course. 

On another note: 

What happened to Tiger yesterday? Did anyone else see him block his tee shot 30 yards right into the water on number 3? Unreal.

Hopefully my winning pick of Nick Watney stays in the game, tough match today versus the #1 player in the world though, Lee Westwood.  

My favorite part about the match play tournaments is that you see everyone play, not just the top players who are on their game all week. Notice how many bad shots and missed putts your saw yesterday and will see today. Just goes to show you that professional golfers are not perfect, their mistakes are just easier to manage then the amateur golfer.

Good Luck!