Top of the Back Swing

by Louis Esselen

Question

What should the club head look like at top of the back swing?

Answer

The only concern is the position of your club face at the top of your swing. It could either be square, open, or closed.

Let me explain...

Assuming you are standing behind the player looking down the target line.

A square club face position at the top would look like the leading edge and toe of the club, are pointing down parallel to the left arm.

With a closed club face position your leading edge and toe would be facing the sky.

An open club face position the toe of the club head would be pointing straight down to the ground.

Two things directly influence these positions.

Firstly, your left hand grip, whether it is weak neutral, or strong.

Secondly, the motion of the hands in the takeaway, eg. Any excessive opening or closing of the hands.

These club face positions tell you what position the club face will be in at impact, where it really counts the most.