Golf tip: The essentials to consistent ball striking

There are three essential swinging elements that lead to consistent ball striking. They are:

1. Extension

2. Hinge

3. Turn on both sides of the ball.

Extension: This is using the hands, arms and shoulders together as the clubhead moves away and behind the ball.

Hinge: This happens when the hands and arms are in full extension, the wrist will hinge vertically putting the weight of the clubhead in the hands. When the hands control the weight of the clubhead the body then can make a full turn behind the ball completing the backswing. This is known as the loaded position.

From the loaded position the golfer can naturally unwind the coiled backswing and shift weight to the forward leg to turn through impact to a balanced finished.

The correct backswing of extension hinge and turn will let the clubhead do its job of making solid consistent contact swing after swing.

Have fun and play better golf.

• Chuck Lynch is director of instruction at White Pines Golf Course and Golf Dome. Call him at (847) 436-1652.