Most of my students have some common issues that come up from time to time during their golf lives. One of the most common problems is shaft lean. What is shaft lean you ask? Shaft lean is the tilt of the shaft at impact, the moment you strike the golf ball. Many golfers get into a position where the shaft leans away from the target. This is a golf death move! The shaft should always lean forward at impact. Repeat that! The shaft should always lean forward at impact. If the shaft is leaning away from the target or even straight up and down at impact you are asking for trouble. An improperly leaning shaft will result in tops, slices, skulls, and the dreaded shank. Most of my students get into this terrible position because they stop the grip end of the club at the ball. The club head then continues through the hitting area. Some believe that this will create height or release more energy to the golf ball therefore creating more power. Both beliefs are incorrect and the cause of many of golf's ills.

Next time you are on the range, try this. Take your normal stance and place the club behind the ball in the address position. Pick up the club head and position it just in front of the golf ball. Now slowly more the club head and the grip end of the shaft toward the target to a position just beyond your left thigh. At this point, there should be a straight line form the top of your left shoulder to the club face No angles! Do this exercise several times, then put the club face behind the golf ball. Make a normal swing while concentrating on keeping the grip end of the club moving to that point beyond your left thigh. They finish your swing as your normally do. This drill will help create the proper shaft lean and will produce golf shots that much stronger. Good luck and please email me any questions to cypresswoodcc@gmail.com.