Academy
Golf ’s Magic Move Why you need to learn the Transition BY IAIN ROBERTS, Hong Kong National Coach
T
he crucial movement that many golfers never learn is the transition, or “magic move,” as the legendary Harvey Penick termed it. Why is it so important? Well, it can add an extra thirty to fifty yards on a drive, but it is not easy to learn and it takes a long time to master. One of the reasons for this is that
the transition is formed from a sequence of key positions which are then fused together to produce one flowing movement. It is the part of the swing which becomes a purely athletic move, similar to the move of a javelin or a discus thrower in that there is a delay action in the arms as they follow the weight transfer of the body.
firm left side
slow
left foot grounded
delay
weight transfer
weight transfer
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As you reach the top of your backswing (Photo 1) you should start to transfer your weight calmly back onto your left foot (Photo 2). As your left foot becomes firmly grounded your left knee and hip will move laterally thus stabilizing into a firm left side and the arms and shoulders should follow slowly. You are aiming for a feeling of the arms delaying slightly as the weight transfer is taking place (Photo 3). Now you are able to release the build up of power into the ball and through to the finish. (Photo 4).
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Iain Roberts is the Head Professional at The Hong Kong Golf Club and author of The Busy Golfer, which is available from Fanling and Deep Water Bay Pro Shops. To book a lesson at the Iain Roberts Golf School, please contact 2670-0647 (Fanling) or 2812-0334 (Deep Water Bay).
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