Obviously, what you do before you get to the top of your backswing is extremely important-proper grip, stance posture, backswing positions, etc. I spend much of my time on the lesson tee getting my students in position to start back to the ball with a good chance to hit a good shot.

Today I would like to focus on the correct move to start the forward swing-it is one of the most important things you can do to hit a good golf shot.

	Once you get to the top of your backswing (the completion of your backswing), the transition from the top should be from the ground up.
	Your first move should be to get your weight to your left leg, turn your hips back to the target, and the shoulders should follow.
	The arms and hands follow on a downward motion maintaining the hinge in your wrists-the feeling should be that the hands start directly south, not starting out “over the top” (where the right shoulder moves out toward the ball as the first move).
	At impact, the left leg and hip should be firm and the shoulders should be square to the target-line and the hips turned to the left.

The motion from the top should start slowly and build up speed so that you feel like the club is moving the fastest just after impact into your finish.

If you start too quickly from the top, you will usually start with your hands and shoulders and cause the dreaded over the top move or the outside-in club head path.

After impact the club should go down the target-line for as long as possible.

I like to see the divots going between 12 and 12:15 if you had a clock on the ground and 12 o’clock was the target.
The new Sure Swing Golf Machine is the best tool I know to get you in the proper positions in the backswing and the forward swing. In the Sure Swing Golf machine picture you can see the machine retains the angle on the downswing and keeps you in better position at the top as well. . It also does not allow you to “come over the top”.

Get in front of a mirror, your patio window or take some video (preferably with your PGA Professional) to see where your position is at the top. Practice diligently, give your swing changes some time, and be patient!

As always we hope this tip helps you enjoy this great game and that 2010 is your best year ever on the links. Keep it in the short grass! See a Purtzer Golf Academy highly-skilled professional to make sure you are working on the right things to get your game to the next level.
Paul Purtzer, PGA
(NOTE Our tips are addressed to right-handed players so lefties please adjust the information accordingly.)