Skill progression - left wrist, Tiger Woods, Hogan's secret

The left wrist, as it turns out, is the beginning of all things in golf, whether it is swinging, pitching, chipping or putting. It is, therefore, important to always keep in mind its function. Its purpose is to bring back the putter or club so that it can bounce back like one falling with bungie cord. It stretches the club or putter so that the body, in turn, catches and brings it back - like a flail, or like a fly-fishing with the lure bouncing back. Remember, left arm rhythmically brings the club or putter back, the body, in turn, catches it and bounces it forward.

The main application of the left wrist is the active cocking of the club on full swings. Remember that it does not pronate - the only action of the cocking wrist is the up motion. Again, I cannot over emphasize it enough, it does not hit - the turning body does that. Apply this to putting, chipping, pitching, full swings, everything.

As our skill progresses, be prepared to intentionally forget what you have learned and go on to the next level. After the firm left wrist above, the skill to learn next is the Tiger Woods method.

The turning body is different depending upon the level of golf skill already acquired. It could start simply as turning around the body or can be a two-part downswing like Tiger Woods. Have you seen him whack his drives - no smooth form at all? This shows exactly what he does on his downswing - a two-piece downswing. First, he moves his weight to the left, then turns his shoulders violently (when distance is needed) to hit the ball. So in other words, one can start simple and eventually graduate to the Tiger Woods way. By the way, as an observation, I think the turning of the shoulders (along the plane) promotes the accuracy and consistency as it throws and makes the clubface stay longer along the target line.

From left wrist to Tiger Woods... The ultimate, it is believed, is when everything is forgotten. However, for now we will progress after the Tiger Woods shoulder shot and start on the left knee and right knee hit.

It has been said that Hogan's secret is the right knee. We will stick to that at this stage of our development. At this stage, the swing should be: after the right knee forward press, perform the backswing with the left knee; then the hit the ball with the right knee. Simple.

For the first time in my 30 plus years of playing golf, this is only the time I can say that I now play golf without thinking. What a wonderful achievment! Full muscle memory is still not the case but I ain't complaining! The process as it stands now is:

• As usual the pre-shot routine is done - aiming at target, remembering a spot (or aligning the ball when on the tee), feeling the "alive" grip.
• Set up in front of the ball and align the body parallel to the target line.
• Look at the ball, the whole ball (not a spot since looking at the whole ball promotes accuracy and consistency).
• Forward press with the right knee.
• Back swing by pointing the left knee to the ball.
• When the feeling is fully set, fire the right knee towards the ball.
• Finish with a full C posture.