[Choi Myeongho Quick Lesson] 8. The Key is Consistency: "Make Your Swing Small and Fast"

Hitting Both Distance and Accuracy: Body Turn Is Key, Training Method Is "Increasing Distance While Feeling the Swing"

KLPGA Tour star rookie Oh Kyung-eun is demonstrating a small backswing.

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] "Make your swing small and fast."

Golf is a game of minimizing missed shots. However, amateur golfers always hope for the best shot every moment. This is why they pursue a big backswing, powerful impact, and flashy finish like professional players. The problem lies in the fact that their practice volume cannot be compared. From basic physical training such as body conditioning to adjusting shot feel through actual play, everything is lacking. In such a situation, it is wiser to create 'your own game plan' rather than blindly imitating.

is in its final week. Therefore, the focus was on increasing consistency based on the lessons conducted earlier. The keyword is 'creating a small and fast swing.' Let’s look at the of Oh Kyung-eun (20, PNS), a top rookie on the Korea Ladies Professional Golf Association (KLPGA) Tour. The position of her left arm is just past 10 o’clock. Although the backswing size is small, even when transitioning to the downswing from here, she can reach 90% of her maximum distance.

It is interesting that most amateur golfers crave distance even on iron shots. The problem is accuracy. Taking a big backswing means that many aspects of the swing process such as body balance, flexibility, and swing path must all be perfect. A shot that connects well once in a while naturally has low cost-effectiveness. By reducing the backswing, control becomes easier, and rather, you should use this flexible rhythm to increase head speed quickly.

When you rotate your body toward the target during the impact phase (left), a natural follow-through is created (right).

The key lies in precise contact and the 'body turn.' In , the left is impact and the right is follow-through. Notice how Oh Kyung-eun rotates her body toward the target during the impact phase. This is to catch 'two rabbits'?distance and direction. The 'body turn' naturally leads to the follow-through and finish. On the other hand, amateur golfers often stand up abruptly after hitting the ball or their lower body collapses causing the body to sway side to side.

This is an effective practice method. Start with 30-yard pitch shots, then gradually increase the distance to 50 and 100 yards, and first remember the feeling of the club contacting the ball. This is to experience the so-called 'hand feel.' Hold the grip lightly and focus on hitting the ball while maintaining the loft as it passes through impact. The technique is the same even when changing clubs from wedges to short irons and middle irons. The more you practice, the better your performance will be.

▲ Instruction = Pro Choi Myung-ho

▲ Demonstration = Pro Oh Kyung-eun

▲ Location = Yangyang Seolhaewon Golden Beach

▲ Organized by = Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter golfkim@asiae.co.kr

▲ Photo = Reporter Yoon Dong-joo doso7@asiae.co.kr