Making extreme swings work

General Discussion
#1

Although we all wish we can swing it like Rory, Ernie and Adam, the fact is we will probably never get there.
Most of us are so conditioned to swing a certain way that it’s almost impossible to change it (particularly given the lack of time and resources amateur golfers generally have).
So isn’t it better to spend our limited time making our own extraordinary swings work?
For example, for those of us with less than optimal swing paths, rather can change it, how can we use it more effectively?
After all, Swing path must be one of the most consistent part of everyones swing so it would be great to tap into this consistancy as it would be something we could really trust.
Thoughts?

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#2

In my opinion, improvement in the full swing comes in two basic. Increased distance, or increased consistency. Given a sub-optimal path, you may be unlikely to increase your distance, so you need to increase consistency. You need to find a way to get consistent center-of-clubface contact, and consistent face alignment. But to improve these, you still have to change something. To improve, to make a change, takes effort, and if you can’t spend some time and effort, its unlikely you’ll change.
The other option is to try to improve those things that CAN be improved more quickly, and with less effort. You can work on your putting, in brief sessions, in small spaces. There are focused drills to help, putting down a yardstick, gate drills, and many more. You can probably improve your short game with less effort, but you’ll need access to a spot to practice. You can improve your shot planning, read Lowest Score Wins, or subscribe to Decade.

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#3

I had one of my best rounds with one of my worst swings (path and efficiency wise)… but I knew where the ball was going every time…

Consistency is more important than pretty…

I also disagree on it being hard to change a swing, you just have to change your focus and let your body do the work. @Adamyounggolf has a lot of stuff on this… Hammering the Nail is a great drill.

Best link I can find to hammer the nail

I think a unique swing is fine, you just need to be in the right place 6 inches behind the ball and through.

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#4

I would say based on everything I’ve learned about the golf swing you’ve got two options when it comes to extreme swing paths

  1. You can work on making it less extreme, which is a very realistic goal. I’m not saying everyone has to do this. But let’s say you are 14 degrees out-to-in with a nasty slice. You’re likely going to have to figure out a way to get that in more “functional” territory to make that work.

  2. You can keep your more extreme swing path, but you better have impeccable face control

I think for a lot of players, working on making your swing path less extreme is likely going to be the more fruitful path (no pun intended). IMO controlling the face of the club is a harder skill, but again, this varies from player to player.

This is why working with a teaching professional can help. A lot of time it’s very hard for golfers to even know what their swing patch/face matchup issues come from, or how to fix them.

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#5

I counter my less than optimal path (in to out) with addressing the ball with the club face open a touch and hope for a draw or if I am extra lucky a straight shot

#6

Thanks everyone for the input. Very useful.
Indeed I think clubface control is the key to managing a too extreme clubpath.
But, probably at the end of the day it would be good to neutralise it. As I have a strong in to out path, this winter I am only trying to hit fades. Of course I rarely manage to do so, but trying it neutralises the path and if I keep at it the more neutral path should become the new normal.

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