Drifting to the Trail Side

I'm sure I'm not the only person who tends to drift, or slightly shift weight to the trail side about mid-way up the backswing. I believe it's caused by my lead shoulder moving off the ball about an inch or so at the start of the backswing. There's a LOT of weight in the shoulders and head, thus I think any lateral upper body movement to the trail side automatically moves my weight distribution to 40/60 without even feeling it. Likely because my "brain" is used to that feel.

So "lead shoulder down" will help maintain a 60/40 distribution, but would a wider stance also help? Also, I saw a post about pre-straightening the trail leg at address (or nearly straight) to keep the weight distribution in check. This would also seem to coerce the trail foot to "bank" inwards as the club reaches the top of the backswing (which would keep weight to the left side), but could that lead to other problems, or is that a more "permanent" fix?

5 comments

5 Comments

Tom Saguto

Jan 02, 2023

@GolfLivesMatter - There is some measure of tolerance for a brief transfer of pressure into the trail side if it's simply in reaction to the weight of the arms and the club moving back in the takeaway, but if it's an actual shift due to the head and upper torso moving back then the preference would be to not do that.

Presetting the hip turn and straightened trail leg at address - which I oftentimes refer to as the "Elkington Setup" since he deployed that very effectively in Tour events when he was transitioning to S&T - can be a drill for many but can also be a permanent install for those with limited mobility. I would consider you to be in the former category, since this would be something used to target and eliminate a chronic issue that you seem to be battling. However, if you find it produces consistently crispy ball striking and a desirable shot shape without sacrificing distance, then there's no downside to playing with it.

Here is a link to a lesson on "The Elk".

Happy New Year!!

Tom Saguto

Jan 04, 2023

Replying to

The hip bump at setup should not open the hips; it is merely a lateral targetward nudge while the upper torso and head remain in place.

And your last paragraph likely sums up the reason Elkington did that early in his transition to S&T.

I too prefer the notion of a "backset" vs. a backswing, and have done some videos on that topic.

By the way, today's "KFC Club" lesson may be worthy of your time....

GolfLivesMatter

Jan 04, 2023

Replying to

Thanks, I did watch the latest video...excellent!

So it's possible that my doing the "Elk" is not really the "full" Elk, but instead how I should be setting up vs. my "normal" setup which still could be more 50/50. Thus the "Elk" for me is simply how I should setup.

Then the "full" Elk could feel more like 70/30...Hmmmm.

As for the Hogan Hip vs Elk, I think I would choose the Elk because maintaining a constant low point is (I believe) slightly easier with the Elk, and the Elk will stop us "drifters" more than than the Hogan Hip (maybe).

Maybe you have done some studies with students to see which works best? Would be interesting.

Tom Saguto

Jan 04, 2023

Replying to

The Elk is what was in my mind when I developed the 90% Weight Forward/Arms Straight Drill, which has certainly helped numerous former shifter/lifters to overcome their old habits and find that consistent low point.