THE PROPER TAKEAWAY
A solid takeaway is as important as any aspect of the golf swing. If you watch Tour players closely, you’ll notice they’ve all mastered it because they know that without a proper takeaway, it’s almost impossible to make a good golf swing. After you’ve worked on your setup, it will be much easier to learn a sound takeaway, and you’ll be that much closer to swinging like a pro.
Outside & Up
Notice how the upper part of my left arm is still attached to my chest, while the clubhead is outside my hands as the club has traveled about halfway back. My left wrist is still cupped, my right arm is above the left and my right knee is still flexed. These positions, though simple, are absolutely critical.
Takeaway Drill
Grip a long iron just below the handle and place the butt of the club in your stomach. Elevate the shaft so the clubhead is at about knee height, and concentrate on feeling that your torso, arms, hips, legs and club are one unit. Then, simply take the club back by turning your body. You should feel that your hands and wrists are doing nothing to manipulate the club.
Pro Techniques
Three-time major winner Nick Price has the perfect takeaway.
There aren’t many golfers in the world who take the club away better than Nick Price. Because of his machine gun-like tempo, it can be tough to appreciate exactly how great Price’s technique is, but here in stop-action, it’s all crystal-clear. From the beginning, he keeps the club well outside his hands, and even when he brings the club up, the clubhead never gets too inside. This allows him to deliver the club on-plane and produce consistently well-struck golf shots. If you want to hit it like Nick, start practicing.
