With the recently concluded All-Star game and festivities at Chase field, I felt that it was appropriate to do this month’s tip on a swing sensation that I try to use while teaching the proper sequence of motion during the golf swing.  The player who had the best swing won the Homerun Derby, on the Monday before the All-Star game. With this in mind, the following  ‘homerun swing’ drill can help you get your swing in order: 

• Go through your proper warm up routine on the practice tee. Refer to past AZ Golfer articles for this quick review. Begin by hitting short pitch shots and work your way into full shots.

• Once you have warmed up, make a few golf swings and feel your body motion. Swing slowly to insure the ability to feel the muscles working. Make sure your pre-shot routine is implemented on
every swing.

• Now, using a 5-iron, address the golf ball utilizing your normal set-up. Notice the width of your stance. This is very important. Next, move your foot closest to your target (front foot) back with your back foot. Your hands and the club are now up to the golf ball and ahead of your body.

• Begin to make a back swing from this position. Feel your weight transfer to your back foot.  Just prior to the completion of your backswing, your weight is about 90 percent on the back foot. Lift your front foot off the ground and simultaneously move your front foot exactly into the position where the foot is located in your normal set-up while beginning the downswing.  This will provide the weight transfer feel necessary to retrain your swinging motion. If you have ever seen the movie “Happy Gilmore,” Happy demonstrated this swing exactly with how this golf shot works. 

• Swing the club down the target line and the results should be favorable. To get the feel of this swing, make a few practice swings like you were swinging a baseball bat. Next swing the club like you are going to hit a fly ball, still stepping into the shot. Finally, work your way down to the ground and swing at the ground while stepping through the shot. This will help you get the hang out of this fun swinging motion. Timing is important. Once you get this shot down, you will find that your sequence of motion will improve and you will start hitting homeruns out of the park.

Practice your “baseball step into the shot” to develop your ability to get through the golf shot properly. If you have any challenges with this or need help with your game, contact Greg at greg.ellis@trilogygolfclub.com.

Be sure to tune in to the Bunker to Bunker Golf Show every Saturday morning from 7:00 to 9:00 a.m. or on Sports 620KTAR AM or on the Internet at www.arizonasports.com; and click on the SportsTalk button for more tips and updates on all of the week’s golfing news in the Valley and around the world. Join Marty Monaghan, Jim Hill, and Greg for a comprehensive look at the golf world every week. questions about this drill or would like to have a drill featured, or if you would like to schedule a golf lesson with Greg at Trilogy Golf Club at Vistancia, feel free to contact him at greg.ellis@trilogygolfclub.com.