[Kim Hyunjun's Photo Lesson] Lee Soyoung's "Sure Shoulder Turn"..."Practice Swings Like the Real Game"

Secure Lower Body Firmly, Maximize Upper and Lower Body Twist in Backswing "Repeating Empty Swings is Effective"

Lee So-young is showing a definite 'shoulder turn' during the backswing process. Photo by KLPGA

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] "Practice swings should be like real swings."

'E1 Charity Open Champ' Lee So-young (23, Lotte) usually takes two practice swings, swinging as hard as in actual play. This is to ensure a solid 'shoulder turn.' She is a player with virtually no weaknesses, boasting a long drive of 246.50 yards (32nd), an iron shot green hit rate of 78.63% (10th), and an average of 29.35 putts per round (5th). She explained, "You need sufficient twisting of the upper and lower body in the backswing to gain both distance and direction."

Lee So-young is currently the No. 1 in the Korean Ladies Professional Golf Association (KLPGA) Tour 2020 season points (223 points). Following her victory at the E1 Charity Open in May, she added a runner-up finish at the Yongpyong Resort Open, which ended on the 5th, securing the top spot in the prize money ranking (355 million KRW). In seven tournaments, she has one win and six top-10 finishes, with an average score ranking 2nd (69.15 strokes). This year, she is especially competing against overseas players such as Yoo So-yeon (30, Mediheal) and Kim Hyo-joo (25, Lotte) amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Amateur golfers should pay close attention to Lee So-young’s solid lower body stability. Take a look at the . Her lower body is firm, and her gaze remains fixed on the ball. The backswing is the first serious stage of the swing, gathering energy while determining direction. If the lower body collapses here, energy storage becomes impossible. The key is the shoulder rotation where the left shoulder goes 'straight' under the chin. Naturally, the triangle formed by both arms, shoulders, and the golf club must move together.

At the top of the backswing, the weight naturally shifts to the right heel, creating a slightly paused, static motion. Amateur golfers often make the mistake of just lifting their arms over their head, causing their body to sway. This not only reduces power but also makes it difficult to make accurate contact with the ball. This is why Lee So-young advises, "Take the backswing with the thought of rotating in place without letting the left knee pop forward."

There is an effective practice method. Focus on the swing without the ball by doing 'empty swings.' This is perfect for correcting the tendency to rush only when facing the ball. Instead of forcibly hitting the ball, think of swinging the club as if passing through it. Then, grip the club again and repeat 3 to 5 times. The downswing is the reverse. As both arms pass the torso toward the impact zone, the left arm does not bend, and the head remains behind the ball.