The Left Wrist is Clubface Control (1-L)

[phillygolf]

I am struggling with Clubface Control. What about the Left Wrist is Clubface Control?

Reference:
*…A complete definition can only be the sum of the comments about it (1-H)
* The Machine has three functions--to control the Clubshaft, Clubhead and Clubface (1-L)
* Bending the Left Wrist makes Clubface alignment erratic (2-D-0)
*Direction Control means Clubface alignment control (2-G)
*...the proper horizontal motion of the Clubface controls its alignment during impact………(2-G)
*Some players even intentionally execute Impact as exclusively a Swivel, making Clubface alignment extremely fleeting and erratic (2-G).
*….”Roll” is actually imparted by the turning torso and/or the orbiting Arms (2-G)
*Clubface alignment at Impact Fix must fit the selected Hinge Action (2-J-1)
* The key to control of the Golf Club is Educated Hands (4-0)
* Clubface Motion is Rotational Wrist Motion (4-0)
* Turn and Roll are Rotational Wrist Motions (4-C-0)
* Clubface alignment at Impact is a function of the Hands executing the Clubface Motion--Accumulator #3 (4-D-0)
*Have a clear picture of the Impact Hand Position all the way down--NOT the process of achieving it
(4-D-0).
*..basically, Accumulator #3 Hand Motion is Clubface Control,…..(6-B-3-0)
*..for Impact Clubface alignment control, Hitters should rotate their Grip but not their Plane Line at Address, while Swingers should rotate their Plane but not their Grip (7-2)

Hi Doc,

Been a long time since I delved into TGM, so be gently on my answers.

Just a few thoughts - I think when Homer refers to 'wrist' motion in regards to clubface control, he is referring to a flat left wrist and its rotational movement - not the wrist itself cocking/uncocking. Not sure if that was confusing you.

But my take is essentially this:

If you take your grip at impact fix - and align the flat left wrist with the clubface/leading edge, then the clubface/leading edge will always match the flat left wrist, regardless of selected hinge motion. Again, this assumes a flat left wrist at impact.

Hope this helps.

Patrick

[DOCW3]

I have just watched Lynn's 2008 Barclay Academy video in the Gallery. Many of the points made in the different posts are reinforced. I believe that will do it.



DRW

[Jeff]

I agree that LB explained it very well in that Barclay's Academy video.

As a TGMer who is very interested in golf biomechanics, I will add just one point - that the different degrees of hinging are primarily due to variable degrees of external rotation of the left humerus at the left shoulder socket joint per unit time during the followthrough, with horizontal hinging having the greatest amount of external humeral rotation per unit time. The left humerus rotates at the same rpm as the left forearm which rotates at the same rpm as the FLW which rotates at the same rpm as the clubshaft.

The second point is that this external humeral rotation happens naturally in response to the golfer's intent - the intent to control the clubface via the left hand.

It is not an "unnatural action" that requires practice, as argued by Tom Betrand in his swing video on the "missing link" in Hogan's secret - the missing link of "actively turning-in the left elbow towards the left hip".

Jeff.

[Yoda]

The second point is that this external humeral rotation happens naturally in response to the golfer's intent - the intent to control the clubface via the left hand.

It is not an "unnatural action" that requires practice, as argued by Tom Bertrand in his swing video on the "missing link" in Hogan's secret - the missing link of "actively turning-in the left elbow towards the left hip".

Jeff,

The "natural" rotation you speak of may be natural, but I believe that the Bertrand action approaching Impact is not natural at all. In fact, it is contrived (which is exactly why Bertrand himself admits it is "unnatural" and therefore must be practiced over and over again).

Count me out.

I believe in and teach natural, efficient (geometrically aligned) motions, and this one just doesn't cut the mustard.

The source of this confusion is Hogan himself. As illustrated in the first thumbnail below, he did indeed recommend in Five Lessons that we adopt the contorted arm alignments later recommended by Bertrand. As for the arm alignments of Hogan himself, see thumbnail #2. Or, go here and compare http://www.35mmgolf.com/c001u.html.

Quite a difference, don't you think?

In his book (pp. 28-29), Bertrand noted that, in a conversation with John Schlee (his source of Hogan 'secrets'), Hogan admitted that he himself did not use the contorted alignments -- those illustrated in Five Lessons, purportedly recommended to Schlee, and adopted and perpetuated by Bertrand in his book -- but said that he would if he were "physically" able to do so (after his auto accident "healings").



I was not privy to that conversation, nor was Betrand, and both Hogan and Schlee now are gone, so we'll never know.

So, I'll go with what Hogan actually did, not what he told us to do or said he would do himself if he "could".

Said another way, just gimme the Flying Wedges (Left Arm and Right Forearm of 6-B-3-0-1 / see my avatar) and I'm happy.

[Jeff]

Yoda - I agree with you 100%.

I think that Bertrand's idea is unnaturally contrived and that a natural biomechanical action is better. I also agree that Hogan never had his arms together in a contorted alignment as in that drawing.

Jeff.