Anyone have tips on a technique to prevent looking up in golf swing. I have it so bad it even happens with chipping, pitching and putting. When I manage not to do it the shots are excellent. I carry an 8 iron 160 yds and as a 65 yr old playing in Ireland am happy with that. But because of my problem there is no consistency. Any ideas. Thanks.
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For me I don't believe in "looking up". What I think happens is the shoulders flatten on the downswing, which in turn pulls the head up and away from the ball. Wherever the left shoulder goes, so does the head because they're, of course, connected.
The "check" is fairly simple. Do a mock takeaway, get to the top, shoulders are at about a 45* angle, then lift, or flatten the left shoulder. The head goes up. The other part is the lower body, if engaged correctly, will actually keep the head down, or likewise, keep the shoulders from flattening.
Thanks Steven, every tip helps....
That's a very nice 8 iron carry indeed, Robert!
I suppose the primary question would be is there something in your swing or stroke that is causing an early really of your head, or is it just an ingrained "peeking" habit? If it's the former than it's a matter of identifying the culprit, and video would be a great tool for doing so. However, since you say that it also happens with your short game I'm guessing it's more likely the latter. Here is a KFC Club video on what I look at in the swing. Perhaps it may give you some ideas. For putting I've heard of a drill in which a coin is placed under or immediately in front of the ball, and the objective is to see the coin after striking the ball. On chips, pitches, and full shots perhaps you can do something similar by setting the ball on a tee at ground level. (Of course your head should release after impact, and forcing it to stay down - especially on full swings - can cause issues as well, so start small and gradually work up.)
@GolfLivesMatter & @Russell Hogue, PhD - any additional suggestions you might be able to offer to Robert
Hi Robert,
Nice 8 iron carry, at 65 that's my 5 iron carry! But as long as we know what our distances are is what matters.
Agree when you want to "peek" at your shot before you hit it there is no good to come out of it.
For me I concentrate on the back of the ball and let my swing (arms) bring my head up.
Chipping I find that it is way easier to keep head down and also when you don't seems to have the biggest disaster impact!
Putting, there are some who (seen this recently in Golf Mag article) who putt looking at the hole. Doesn't work for me.
I read the green, when I replace the ball and I line it up with the directional line on ball with path I want it to go. I take a few practice strokes for distance feel and move closer and setup. I do have a little space between putter blade and ball. I concentrate on that space when I take putter away to make stroke and DO NOT take my eyes away till I stroke through that spot and the ball is well on the way, that is when I hit my best putts.
So in all I stated I do those things and are what I call my last swings"keys".
Hope that makes sense or helps.
Good Luck & Blessings