GOLF TIP by Lynn Bernadett
LPGA Teaching Professional
Tucson, AZ

"Dynamic Weight Transfer"

Your golf swing is based upon the laws of motion and the science of nature. Simply stated, it’s physics. Terms such as linear motion, dynamic weight transfer, centrifugal and centripetal forces are all a part of your golf swing. Dynamic weight transfer is a combination of rotation and a side-to-side shifting within the golf swing.

Dynamics: The branch of mechanics that deals with the motion and equilibrium of systems under the action of forces."

Weight transfer is a foundation to the dynamics found in your golf swing that produces additional power and enhances accuracy. You could play golf with your feet together (and quite competently, I might add), but if you want more distance and accuracy, your feet need to be spread apart to accommodate weight transference. Your width should be at a comfortable distance from each other that would be comparable to the width of your shoulders. Dynamic weight transference seems to be the most difficult part of the golf swing, not only in comprehension, but incorporating it into an efficient golf swing. Most golfers have to manufacture the concept and motion. Weight transfer is simply transferring or moving your weight from one side to the other. Dynamic weight transfer is a combination of forces synchronizing upper and lower body angles and torque, while transferring your weight from one side to the other, during the golf swing.

Sounds like a lot going on at one time? No, not really. But, most recreational swings do have too much going on at the same time with incorrect rhythm, tempo and timing. The golf swing should be thought of like performing a dance. Your lower body has to synchronize movement along with the upper body, creating a fluid, sequential, rotational motion. Shifting your weight from one side to the other is the "invisible footwork" in golf. Your upper body will spatially follow the lead of your lower body from one side to the other.

The following is geared to the right-handed golfer: If you are able to maintain the extension of your left arm while turning to the right, as you get to the top of your backswing, your left arm and torso should feel a "torqued" (tightened) sensation. Getting to the top of your backswing should be thought of as just a continuation of your initial address positioning. The downswing IS the golf swing and this is where most swing faults arise. Knowing how to release your stored-up energy (torque or coil), from the top of the backswing, is the least talked about subject in golf. Instead of mechanically pinpointing every anatomical characteristic of the backswing and downswing, I will describe a drill that literally takes you through the dynamic weight transfer phenomena.

STEP-TO-STEP DRILL (Geared toward the right-handed player - do not hit golf balls during this drill): Go through your pre-shot routine of addressing an imaginary golf ball - aligning yourself to the target, applying your grip, and achieving good counterbalanced posture. Slowly, as your club starts into your backswing motion, simultaneously slide your left foot over to meet your right foot (they will be together). With your feet together, continue your backswing motion with a full shoulder turn and your left arm comfortably extended as you rotate your arms, hands and club around you (to the top of your backswing). Keeping your upper body in that coiled position (or top of your backswing) and without releasing your upper body yet, slide your left foot back to where it originated in your stance. (You should feel your upper body and left arm's torque increase when making this initial move to the left.) After you have shifted your weight over to the left side, unleash your upper body (arms, hands, club) to a full finish with your belly-button facing the target. It only takes a few practice swings to calculate the timing of your footwork, resistance of release, and the unleashing of your upper body torque. Use this drill before every full swing shot as a timing mechanism before you perform your actual swing.

Dynamic weight transfer is for power and the enhancement of accuracy in your swing. Studies show that for the average golfer it can produce 2.5-7.5% more distance than standing with your feet together (touring professionals will gain 10-17% more distance). It doesn't sound like much, but at least it's more! And remember, if done correctly, improved accuracy is also included. Incorporate the physics of dynamic weight transfer into your swing!

"TRAIN YOUR MIND TO TRAIN YOUR BODY"

Lynn Bernadett is an LPGA Golf Professional at The Pines Golf Club at Marana and a Saddlebrooke resident. For lesson information, call 520-991-4952, in Tucson, AZ.

Check out some of Lynn's other instructional articles:
Body Awareness Golf
Balance Your Senses
Associate the Motion
Acceptance
Counter Balance
Senior Golf: Flexibility
GolfabiliTEE: Accessible Golf