I had the opportunity to travel to Scotland and play a lot of golf in 2002. While over there, I notice that the local (Scottish) 20 handicappers’ looked and executed golf motions considerably better then the 20 handicappers’ here in America. The determining factor I felt made this statement true is that the Scottish play golf on the ground over there. Golf in the U.S. is played more in the air and when a 20 handicapper reacts to that thought a lot of bad swing motions can enter his swing. When the U.S. 20 handicapper tries mentally to get the ball up he will incorporated a scoop at impact with the hands. Also, generally he is always falling back on the follow through and not getting through the shot to his left side. Furthermore, he lifts and comes out of the shot a lot more. In contrast, the Scottish 20 handicapper is trying to keep the ball down. Many good swing habits occur when you are trying to keep the ball down. First, the hands will lead the club head through the hitting zone. Next, there will be a transfer of weight through the shot better with a long and low extension through to the finish. Also, the backswing tends to be shorter and not out of control. So, take this story as some valuable advice, “stop trying to hit the ball up”. Let the club do the work. Think of hitting your shots lower and you will be surprised how well you will hit the ball up in the air.
Source
2005 SCGA Magazine
