As I wander through everything golf I am reminded that I am 65 years old and only now getting serious about playing golf. I believe my main issue is not keeping my arm straight and coming back too far. When I do, I know my left arm starts to bend the higher I go back in the swing, and then I try to straighten it up on the way down. I have this desire to kill the ball and I think I have to go way back with the club. I have realized that I may have limited mobility and don't want to face it so I go farther with the club than I should.
Sometimes I hit the ball so darn good, straight and far I know if I do this all the time I can compete and bring that score down. Yet I think I still try to kill it thinking that's the answer. Just want to be consistent.
You should be starting to recognize some common themes in my replies, Tom. Be patient and work the process - sequentially and gradually.
With regard to your lead arm bending.... Reaching back for more is like conducting a séance for those old swing demons I mentioned previously, and they sure come back to haunt us when we do. Remember - the depth we create by getting our hands behind the trail shoulder at the top gives us all the power we need, even if it "looks" like less than a full swing compared to our old Shift & Lift days. Trust me - you've created width and plenty of distance for that club to travel by taking it deep; there's no need to try to get to "parallel" - that false deity of swings past. Execute the motions, understand and ingrain your body's natural stopping point - that's where the tilting, turning, and extending motions are complete and the lead arm has crossed the chest 45 degrees - and then the most difficult part: train yourself to stop there! If you try to go further any or all of the following will occur:
1) the lead arm will bend and/or lift
2) the wrists will break down
3) the lead knee will kick inward towards the trail side
4) the lead shoulder will level out and lose its orientation towards the ball
5) weight will shift into the trail side and bring the low point back with it, resulting in inconsistent contact.
6) you'll "chicken wing" and/or flip through impact
7) pain, discomfort, and/or possible injury