During Annika Sorenstam's swing, she turns her head through the hitting zone to allow her weight to swing toward the target. (Courtesy photo)

Golf swing tip: Train your core for PGA Tour power, distance

By Les Miller,
Contributor

Tour players all have something in common besides being PGA Tour players: they all manage to hit the ball with tremendous power. How do they do it? These players, as well as LPGA players and club professionals, understand that true power and control come from swinging the golf club with a powerful core.

To actively engage the body's center (core: the lower chest through the lower abdomen and back) in the golf swing, here's a helpful drill.

Address the ball as you would with a golf club, only cross your arms in front of your chest. Next, simulate your backswing with your arms crossed. Make sure to maintain the forward spine tilt and keep your back straight; this will help you maintain your spine angle.

At the top of your backswing, your left shoulder (right for lefties) will be positioned behind the golf ball. Now, drive your forward shoulder toward the target so your left shoulder covers the ball and the right shoulder follows all the way through, past the ball.

An important tip to remember: Allow your head to turn through the shot with your body (keeping your head down too long is worse than bringing it up too soon). This head movement allows you to rotate fully through to the correct finishing position.

For a good example of this, watch Annika Sorenstam's swing as she turns her head through the hitting zone to allow her weight to swing toward the target. This move gives her incredible power and distance.

This simple drill will give you the feel for what a body-driven swing feels like. The more you practice this drill the more you will feel your weight transferring toward the target on actual shots.

November 25, 2008

Les Miller was a longtime Golf Writers of America member who covered golf instruction for several newspapers and golf publications. His many years of experience as a golf professional, director of product development and tour relations for several major golf companies gave him a unique background and ability to help golfers increase their enjoyment of the game.