Need a quick fix? Watch those fundamentals
By Pamela Saladino, PGA
Over the last year, courses have experienced a significant influx in female golfers of all ages and skill levels — a trend golf instructors are excited to see. There’s never been a better time for women and girls to learn or reintroduce themselves to the game of golf, a sport that’s socially distant by nature and almost entirely contact-free.
In 2020, the instructors at Ironworks Golf Academy in Beloit, Wisconsin, worked with more than 400 female golfers to help im- prove their game. For those participating in the Academy’s various programs including girls’ golf academies, women’s developmen- tal programs, competitive playing practices, business academies and social golf leagues, or for those female golfers who are looking for continuous improvement in their game, Ironworks Golf Academy shares these top tips for a smooth, effective swing:
Tip No. 1 – Pay Attention to Posture
It’s common to see golfers bend too much at the knees and not enough from the hips, causing an “up-and-down” movement in the swing that leads to poor ball contact or topped shots. A simple solution: stand tall, pull the shoulders back, and bend from the waist at about 40 degrees. Next, bend at the knees until your weight is centered between your heels and toes. These minor tweaks will promote a more athletic swing, added speed, balance, and great contact with the ball.
Tip No. 2 – Keep Your Lead Arm Strong
Collapsing the lead elbow on the backswing is a common mistake for golfers of all ages.
This changes the radius of the swing, causing a loss of power and topped shots. Promote swing speed and a longer radius at impact by using your body and the club to create a letter Y and then a letter L. Keeping your elbows and club straight during the takeaway, form a letter Y with your body and the shaft of the club, and push down on the on the grip when the club starts its movement upwards, creat- ing an L with your lead arm and club shaft.
Tip No. 3 – Finish Your Swing
An incomplete swing causes loss of speed and poor contact with the ball. To properly finish the swing, rotate your body so 90% of your weight is on your lead foot. If you are a right-handed golfer, you’ll finish with your body pointed to the left of the target. This will promote increased speed and improved balance.
From the youngest junior golfers to the most seasoned pro, Ironworks Golf Academy offers programming specifically designed and customized for female golfers.
For more information or to join a women’s program, visit the Ironworks Golf Academy website at www.ironworksgolfacademy.com.
Pamela Saladino is an LPGA Class A Golf Professional at Ironworks Golf Academy. An accomplished amateur player, she won a high school state title and also helped lead Lynn University to an NCAA Division II National Championship. She is a Site Director for the LPGA Girls Golf program and leads numerous women’s golf academies.
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