Is there such a thing as a “Perfect” golf swing? Every time the phrase “perfect swing” is used when discussing the game of golf we think of the golf movie, Tin Cup. There’s a scene in the movie when Roy McAvoy (played by Kevin Costner) poetically explains the golf swing.
It goes like this “Well, I tend to think of the golf swing as a poem. The critical opening phrase of this poem will always be the grip. Which the hands unite to form a single unit by the simple overlap of the little finger. Lowly and slowly the clubhead is led back. Pulled into position not by the hands, but by the body which turns away from the target shifting weight to the right side without shifting balance. Tempo is everything; perfection unattainable as the body coils down at the top of the swing. There’s a slight hesitation. A little nod to the gods. That he is fallible. That perfection is unattainable. And now the weight begins shifting back to the left pulled by the powers inside the earth. It’s alive, this swing! A living sculpture and down through contact, always down, striking the ball crisply, with character. A tuning fork goes off in your heart and your balls. Such a pure feeling is the well-struck golf shot. Now the follow through to finish. Always on line”.
If we’re to believe driving range pro Roy McAvoy, the perfect swing is not possible, but you can find the perfect swing for you. You can strive to be your best and that is our goal.
Build A Foundation - Start With The Basics
You can’t unlock your perfect swing without a sturdy foundation. There are several different ways to check your fundamentals. You can get a lesson from your local PGA professional, find a more experienced friend, or even use online resources. Regardless of which one you choose, make sure you receive golf swing tips on the following items:
Once you’re comfortable with your golf fundamentals, you can start building your perfect golf swing. Be patient - golf is more about enjoying the journey than quickly reaching the destination.
Many Different Perfect Ways To Swing the Club - Find Yours
Every player is unique and every swing is different. There are numerous ways to successfully swing the golf club. Spend a few minutes watching professional swings on YouTube.
Take a look at some older swings, like Jack Nicklaus or Tom Watson. Watch the golf swing of young Tiger Woods and Adam Scott. If you want to see some unique moves, watch Jim Furyk and Matthew Wolff. You’ll see that all of these players do it a different way and all have achieved remarkable success on the golf course.
How does this help you find the perfect golf swing? It demonstrates there is more than one right answer. It’s ok to try different golf swings. The key - find a move that you can repeat and can consistently hit the ball solid. Can you make the same golf swing when you feel pressure to execute on a tight par 4 that you make on the driving range? If so, you are on the right track.
Here are a few quick golf swing tips that may help you build a great golf swing:
Don’t be afraid to tinker with your swing and see what works for you. Trial-and-Error can be a great way to identify your perfect golf swing.
Practice Your Perfect Swing - Put In The Time
Unfortunately, there are no shortcuts on your quest for the perfect golf swing. You’ll need to put in the time to build a repeatable, consistent swing. The best thing you can do is set a schedule and hold yourself accountable to stick with it. Do you have time to go to the driving range once a week? Maybe twice?
Once you’re at the driving range, use your time wisely. Many amatuer golfers make the mistake of smacking a ton of balls, without really working on their golf swing. Treat every range ball like a shot on the course. Pick a target, execute your golf swing, and analyze the result. Did you hit a good golf shot or would you have been in trouble on the course?
Make sure you practice with every club in your bag. If it helps, develop a game or challenge yourself. If your driving range has flags and greens to aim at, how many greens can you hit with each club? Another way to ensure you focus for each shot is pretend you are playing your local course. For example, let's say your first hole is a par 4. Hit your driver and based on how you hit it, determine what iron you would have to the green and hit that club. The more you create a way to practice your golf swing that feels like hitting shots on the course, the quicker you will improve.
Take Your Swing To The Shop - Occasional Tune-Ups
Just like your car, your golf swing will need the occasional tune-up. You don’t need to pay for weekly or even monthly lessons, but maybe once or twice a year get a professional to take a look. This will help you in a couple different ways. First, a golf teaching professional may notice something relatively minor in your golf swing that makes a huge difference. Second, based on what they see, they can recommend some practice drills or techniques to get your game to the next level.
Don’t be afraid to get some advice from the professionals. A second perspective on your golf swing can make a huge difference. If possible, try to use the same teacher for your lessons. They will learn your golf swing and even get personally invested in helping you build your perfect golf swing. As they say, two minds are better than one.
Conclusion
Building your perfect golf swing won’t happen overnight. You’ll need to spend time working on your game and stay patient. The pursuit of golf perfection will be frustrating at times, but enjoy the journey. The game of golf allows you to test your physical and mental skills.
As we mentioned in the introduction, Roy McAvoy believes perfection is unattainable in the golf swing, but you can enjoy many perfect afternoons on the course. It’s not always about the score or the swing - enjoy the time with your friends and family in the fairways. You probably won’t be able to consistently execute a perfect golf swing, but every once in a while, it will all come together. Those are the shots we remember on the drive home.
