[Kim Haneul's FunFun Golf] 'Weight Transfer Training Method'

'Secrets' for Improving Distance and Accuracy
Superman Tips Using Squat Movements
Weight Transfer Aid in Empty Swings Without Clubs

When participating in pro-am tournaments, a common concern among amateur golfers is weight transfer. I often receive questions like, "How can I properly transfer my weight?" Perfect weight transfer is essential to achieve the desired distance, trajectory, and carry. Without proper weight transfer, it is easy to hit fat shots. Today, we will discuss training methods for weight transfer.

Weight transfer refers to shifting the weight from the right foot during the backswing to the left foot during the downswing and follow-through. A swing that relies only on the arms without weight transfer cannot achieve the desired distance. This results not only in loss of distance but also decreased accuracy.

Many amateur golfers keep their weight in place instead of shifting it to the left. In some cases, after completing the swing, the weight remains on the right side and the body leans backward, which causes mishits. At the moment of impact, the body moves backward, causing the arms to hit the ball or the upper body to drop during the downswing. Weekend golfers often move their heads side to side during the swing, which disrupts balance and prevents solid contact.

Professional players perform squats on the morning of a tournament day to check their weight transfer. This is a simple exercise that can also be done at home. When doing squats, sit down while putting weight on the right foot, then as you stand up, shift your weight to the left foot and extend your right hand upward at a 45-degree angle. This is similar to the "Superman" pose. Tour players always include this squat exercise in their warm-up routine, and with consistent practice, you can clearly feel the weight transfer.

For iron shots, accurate weight transfer is necessary to achieve the desired distance and trajectory. Squat training is also very helpful for golfers who cannot utilize ground reaction force effectively. Professional players can make contact even without perfect weight transfer due to their extensive training, but weekend golfers often struggle to hit the clubface accurately. Mastering weight transfer through squat training is essential.

Practicing empty swings also helps in learning weight transfer. When doing a backswing without a club, shift your weight to the right foot, and during the downswing, feel the weight moving to the left foot. Recording a video to check your weight transfer is also beneficial. To perfect weight transfer, physical training should be combined. With increased distance, golf becomes much easier and more enjoyable.

Former Hanil Tour 14-time Champion and Sportainer