Takeaway Checkpoints

“Now is the time to understand more, so that we may fear less” - Marie Curie

What’s Needed? Read blog 15, The Takeaway Part 2. Two alignment sticks.

“It’s all in the takeaway.” To strike the ball consistently with power and accuracy you must get in position to be able to do so. Here are two checkpoints that will help you get into that powerful position.

Checkpoints:

• Place an alignment stick behind the ball along the target line. Use a wedge or 9 iron. Once you have addressed the ball, trigger the one-piece takeaway by putting pressure on your rear heel.

• Move the triangle until your hip feels as though it can’t move back any further. Pause, your lead arm and club will form a straight line pointing at an angle toward the ground. This is your first checkpoint.

• Now swing your straight lead arm up, vertically, your wrists will set, and your trail

elbow will bend. Swing up to the top.

• Using a short club, it will give you an example of the second checkpoint. The butt of

the club should be pointing toward the ground just inside the target line.

• You are now in position to strike the ball with power and consistency.

Keep in mind:

• The swing is fluid, there are no pauses in the takeaway until you reach the top of

your swing. How long you pause at the top, if ever, is what suits your rhythm.

• As the triangle passes your rear thigh, start hinging your wrists, by bowing, flattening

your lead wrist.

• If you stopped your takeaway when the club is parallel to the ground, you will see

your trail hand on top of the shaft. Another good checkpoint.

• Before your lead arm starts its vertical swing, your wrists are fully set. At some point

to the top, your set wrists will have the butt of the club pointing just inside the target

line.

• Check your trail wrist is fully cupped at the top of the swing.

When I’m striking the ball well, I feel tension on my right side during the takeaway. Have fun out there.