Golf Swings Downswing Path

Golf Swings Downswing Path

Golf swings downswing path from the inside can be just as bad as from over the top. What needs to happen is for the path to be determined by each unique golfer’s downswing plane.

Any single plane automatically produces an inside out downswing path to impact, where both the face and path are at the target and then an outside in path with the through swing to a finish. This happens even though the base of the incline remains unchanged as it stays aimed at the target. However the clubhead path is always changing on the incline plane.

If one takes an incline and then flattens it the base line will remain pointing at the target. But now the path that the club travels on becomes more from the inside coming down and then more left in the through swing. And if one moves the incline more to the vertical the base line remains pointing at the target and the path that the club travels becomes less from the inside coming down and the less to the left in the through swing.

These unique downswing planes are determined by the length of the forearm relative to the upper arm. Here are some examples:

This downswing with Mac O’grady shows the grip end pointing at the target line in the downswing.  This directs where the head end goes as the club comes from the inside on plane. And in this case it is on the right arm plane as evidence by the club coming out of the right forearm. His forearm is the same length as the upper arm.

Making Mac’s incline “plane” flatter such as putting in on the shaft plane will move the path more from the inside but with a weaker position from a loss of joint alignment. And making the incline more vertical would move the path less from the inside, give it a look of “over the top” and create a weaker position from a loss of joint alignment in the right arm.

With a forearm longer than the upper arm, as shown with Bubba Watson, the straightening of the right arm will work the club out more above the right arm. This incline plane is more vertical but it is not over the top for this golfer. Making him more from the inside would put him in a very weak position from a loss of joint alignment.

Golfers that come down on the shaft plane are the exception to the rule as most come down on the right arm plane or above. For these golfers that try to come down on the right arm or above are truly “over the top”. In conclusion find out how your body is built and which plane works for you. Once you satisfy your plane you will automatically satisfy the path without trying.