Published: September 06, 2008 11:28 pm            

RUGGIERO: Address is the first key to success

Is there a better game than golf? I don’t think so. The more I play at it, the more I come to have a high regard for its charm and the diversity of talent it requires. Many players never reach a level of skill that allows them to truly appreciate the game. Those that do stand in awe of the game‘s complexity. The blending of physical, mental, and emotional components required to succeed at golf is astounding.

I was reminded of this recently while giving a first lesson in a series to a new student Rich. I offer a package of five lessons whereby a novice can grasp the basics of the game. Lesson One involves only the address. I am a firm believer that if a potential player does not know the correct way to stand over the ball, they will never be able to consistently hit it, no matter the swing technique.

The address consists of the stance, posture, ball position, and grip. After going through this first lesson, I explained to Rich that the next lesson would be learning how to “swing the address.” It has always been my belief that a good golf swing is nothing more than a good address in motion. For example, I explained to Rich that the left arm should remain straight, not stiff, during the takeaway simply because the left arm is straight at address. Rich then asked me a sharp question that showed his commitment to learning.

He told me that he has been on a Web site touting Harvey Penick’s “Little Red Book.” This site suggested that Penick believed that keeping the left arm straight during the swing is not mandatory and, in fact, doing so can result in restricting the swing. Later, I looked up the site.

It stated in part, “Trying to keep the left arm rigidly straight is very restrictive to the average golfer's swing. The backswing becomes short and tight and the downswing lacks authority. The left arm can bend at the top of the swing, but must be straight at impact.”

Looking closer, I realized that these were not Penick’s own words, but were merely the comments of a writer interpreting Harvey’s advice. I informed my student that I disagreed with the site‘s rationalization. I explained that often, by virtue of a lack of flexibility, players will “cheat” a bit and bend the left arm somewhat. However, I stated to him that bending and restraightening the left arm can never be preferable to simply keeping it straight.

In actuality, Penick, on page 57 of his Little Red Book, is quoted as asserting that “a straight left arm can inhibit the turn of the ‘Seasoned Golfer’ who has become heavy in the chest and stomach.” In this section, Penick was actually instructing senior citizens who are out of shape!

Wanting to obtain further confirmation, I went to the “Rights and Wrongs of Golf” by Robert Jones Jr. This golf icon states in his book on page 17 that “for some persons, a straight left arm is a physical impossibility. So let us say that an extended left arm is one of the prime requisites of good form. In many ways, it contributes to club head speed, accurate contact, and consistency of performance.”

And so, my understanding of a correct takeaway is accurate. In order to keep the backswing uncomplicated, one should not bend his or her left arm. The mistaken notion is that by bringing the club back further, you generate greater club head speed. Perhaps, but at what expense? Breaking down the correct address destroys a good swing and consistent contact.

What is the point of getting into a proper address if it is your intention to effectively break it down soon after takeaway? The reality is that Penick and Jones agree, even if Penick was more aware that all players are not created equally. If you strive for consistency and sweet spot contact, your address must remain intact while you swing the club.

Until next week, keep it in the fairway.

Ken Ruggiero is a local golf instructor and has been writing this column for the past 20 seasons. Write to him at radiomaniac1949@yahoo.com.

        

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