Even relatively small pro golfers can generate tremendous power in their swing. They understand that power and control come from a the core. (Michael Zito/Eclipse Sportswire)

Harnessing the power core for a better golf swing

By Les Miller,
Contributor

Why do some players on the PGA Tour who are relatively small manage to generate such tremendous power in their golf swing? These players understand that power and control come from a powerful core.

The body's core consists of the lower chest through the lower abdomen and back. During the golf swing this part of your body must turn away from the ball on the backswing, then back through the ball on the follow through. It is important that the "core" works with the hands and arms throughout the swing.

To practice these moves try this simple drill. First, address the ball without a club, crossing your arms in front of your chest. Second, take a backswing with your arms crossed, then at the top of your backswing swing down and through to your follow through position, keeping your arms crossed in front of your chest. Be sure to allow your head to turn and rotate through the follow through motion. This is also a great drill to improve your tempo and balance.

Next, take some practice swings with a golf club, feeling like your hands and arms are working with the core. You should start to feel how the hands, arms and core are all functioning as a unit. When you start to hit actual shots you should experience improved ball striking, better tempo and a more fluid golf swing.

Finally, to gain distance just simply turn your "core" faster through the downswing to the follow through, letting the hands and arms go along for the ride.

May 13, 2009

Les Miller was a longtime Golf Writers of America member who covered golf instruction for several newspapers and golf publications. His many years of experience as a golf professional, director of product development and tour relations for several major golf companies gave him a unique background and ability to help golfers increase their enjoyment of the game.