We have some comments from Marshall3943. I guess he shoots 82 a lot. Anyway, Marshall says, “My major problem seems to be swing speed. I was shocked to learn that 81 mph was the average swing speed with my driver and in the 70's with the shorter clubs. Yes, I am 67 years old but I stretch and exercise every day. I have played rounds with men older that I am who must have faster swing speeds judging by the distances they were hitting various clubs.
“For the most part I am accurate with my shots but my slower swing speed robs me of distance and keeps me from getting to some par 4 greens in regulation. What can I do to improve my swing speed?”
Alright, Marshall, I think the first thing we need to look at here is your basic concern, swing speed.
So, what can we do to increase swing speed? I've said it many times and I'm going to say it again that as we get older, even in today's world where senior golfers and people getting ready to retire, we're getting in better shape. We're getting stronger, we're getting more supple, we're getting more flexible, because we want to stay active in our retirement years, to really enjoy life. What we lose is, even doing all of these things, we lose the ability of speed. Our muscles don't move as fast.
What are other possibilities that could be a problem? Let's say you're trying to hit the ball harder, you're trying to swing faster. Well, if you're getting to a point where you're squeezing your hands too tight and/or tightening up your muscles too much, that slows you down. Tight muscles move slower.
What about if you're getting too hung up on mechanics, trying to connect the dots in the swing to be absolutely, perfectly precise in your swing? That mental activity in trying to connect dots, you can't swing fast doing that.
That's why we have the philosophy of doing what? Making good practice swings. Making good practice swings you feel the practice swing, then you step up and swing the feel. No mechanics. Just feel what you want to do, then swing that feel. That keeps you freer, both mentally and physically.
Another thing you might want to look at is to have your clubs checked to see if they are the right fit for you. Are they the right length and lie? Most importantly, are they the right swing flex for you. Because if they're too stiff or too weak, then the shafts aren't working correctly for the speed you're swinging. So you might want to check with a club fitter and get that checked out.
All these things factor in. The keys are there. Get your clubs checked, know that they're correct. Then start checking out what the issues could be with you.
Remember, I think the #1 thing could be is just think about the Peak Performance Golf Swing, limited turn, 3/4 swing. The whole thing requires our body to swing our arms faster. If you swing your arms faster you'll swing your club faster. These points we covered should really give you some thoughts and some things to check out and I think you'll really improve and get some distance for you, some clubhead speed.
Have a great 4th of July!
The Surge!
Comments
i'm 67 - I shoot around 82 -
i'm 67 - I shoot around 82 - natural swing - no lessons - but natural slice which I just play. should I correct itÃÂ
Depends on how well you play
Depends on how well you play and if the slice is costing you a chance at playing better and how much slice it is.
Doesn't cost anything to set up and hit a few draws though.
Probably would take about 5 minutes to learn to hit a draw.
(Controlling it might or might not take a while).
Nothing wrong with playing a fade. Plenty of great golfers play a fade most of the time. When it turns into a full blown slice it could be a limitation on some holes and situations. One of the guys in our group plays a pretty big slice and he is not a bad golfer but he does get in situations where he just can't hit what I would consider a very easy shot with a little draw and it costs him several strokes per round. He usually shoots in the 80s and could probably shoot in the 70s if he could work the ball both ways when needed.