RIGHT: STRAIGHTEN THE KNEE
The greatest players in the history of the game changed knee flex. The evidence is overwhelming. Unfortunately for many years we let a THEORY hijack instruction. I fell into this trap, as did many. Supposedly this was the new way – yes, it certainly was, the new way to back pain, hip and back problems, loss of power and the golf population getting worse. It was sold under the guise of producing more distance, when it was a formula to hit it short and be in pain. This was singularly the most damaging idea in golf instruction, ever.
An article published in February 2019 by Michelle Roberts, health editor for BBC News online, warns of how this restricted type of golf swing could play havoc with your back and put extra strain on your spine, according to U.S. doctors at the Barrow Neurological Institute.
Dr Walker said: “We believe Tiger Woods’s experience with spinal disease highlights a real and under-recognized issue amon modern era golfers. Tiger was using the mechanics of the modern day swing and that places a tremendous amount of strain on the back. It’s still a theory but we are starting to see the late stages of this in some of our patients. We are seeing younger and younger elite level golfers with degeneration in their lower back.”
He said any golfer, elite or not, who experienced pain should seek expert help.
The right knee extending and the left leg flexing forward on the backswing gives the hips freedom to turn by creating “hip slants.” Another benefit of the back-leg extending is that it helps you maintain your inclination toward the ball established at address.
I’ve always been told not to do this! But it feels more natural, and I get a better turn. I’m anxious to try this on the range.