NEW, 1st post (posted in wrong thread earlier): I noticed something on the range this weekend and I'm not sure if it's just because I am tall or if it's a universal point: When I can see my left knee on the back swing top, I'm going to hit it pure 99% of time (because it means I'm fully tilted/shoulder down, fully turned + centered). If I can't see it (left knee), it means I'm either not fully turned or not tilted enough. Is this a thing? Also I think a few people asked - I am using the lag swing with the hangar attached. Very helpful.
Tom S. reply (earlier today):
Welcome to this great forum community, @tomhayes188!!
With regard to your lead knee, if you have a 99% success rate with it then it absolutely is a "thing" for you, and perhaps it may be helpful to others if you're able to describe this in more detail a new thread. It is important that we build in our individual feels and keys in order to take ownership of our unique swings, and based on your results it seems likely that this is one that is quite effective for you.
I do try to offer multiple feels for the various components of the swing since we are all different physiologically and psychologically, and something that resonates well with one golfer may not necessarily work for another. However, mine is by no means an exhaustive list, and I fully expect each golfer to come up with their own versions, so nice job in this regard!
As for the lag swing with the hanger, if you are referring to the LagShot then I'd say that's a very effective combined use of training aids!!
My reply back:
Replying to Tom S.
Thanks Tom. I "discovered" this idea when I followed your "water bucket/medicine ball" concept before the practice swing. When I just swung my hands "trying to keep the water in the bucket" I got a full tilt/turn and I would see my left knee at the top of my back swing. With the club in hand I would not get quite that deep for some reason. Now I make sure I see my left knee at the top of my practice swing/backswing and I think that is lining up a consistent "point of contact" (with the ball 1 clubface in from left heel - excluding driver which I put at the heel for the time being). And yes, I was referring to "lagshot 7 iron" (plus hangar) I bought from your store link on the site. Another 2 points I have found helpful - in the S&T DVDs Andy or Mike briefly said 'balls of your feet' in one segment. I used that as a point of reference at address to make sure my head is down over the ball enough. If you look at Charlie Wi, you can never see his face (only visor). To get head that low you are almost on the balls of your feet. The final thing I have been doing to get the right distance from the ball from my club pro (who is S&T) is at address, drop the right hand and see if it falls EVEN with left hand on the club. If it falls too far back or forward you can adjust your distance from ball. I think Tom (you) said on one of his videos that the biggest issue for his students is either not tilting/turning left shoulder enough. These are some ideas I have found helpful in my short journey. Long way to go. Grew up as a golf caddie, but did not play much. 25 years later I picked up sticks for first time this year. I met a guy at my club who is 55 and started playing 3yrs ago. He is now a 6 handicap. Hearing that was a game changer/inspiration and I have been non-stop for last 10 weeks learning, videoing and adjusting. I always thought if you didn't become decent when you were young, you were toast, not true! I shot a 46 for 9 this weekend (with 4 3 puts) and a 45 last Wednesday with friends at the club. My goal is mid-80's by the end of my first season (at least a couple of times), but I know there will be "fits and starts" along the way.
Tom's Reply:
Awesome stuff, @tomhayes188!! I made a suggestion in the previous reply about posting this in a "new thread". By that I meant that this particular comment thread is nearly a year old and has lost some traction as a result. Can you copy what you just posted here and simply paste it into a brand new post that you would create from the forum's home screen? You can put it in either the Backswing Help or General Discussions category. It will draw more attention there, plus I could then "pin" your post to the top of the list to capture more views. Seems like your swing is on a good track, and you are obviously committed to the improvement process. That's an excellent recipe for success!
The lead knee movement is extremely important in the golf swing. You are right about wanting to "see" your knee at the top. When you don't see your knee then it's likely "buckled" under your torso, or moving away from the target. For those who are used to a shift onto their trail side on the backswing, "seeing" the lead knee will be a odd feel and visual. The next step with the lead knee is to initiate the downswing with a lead knee shift towards the target. This move, at least for me, forces the lower body to turn and gets the hands traveling down much faster. This also serves to maintain the low point that is defined by being stacked over the ball at the top.