[O.B.Left]

Similarly, I find it difficult to treat my left arm as a rope. If I try to apply that literally, it feels like I'm swinging with one arm.


You took the words out of my mouth! My sticking point is not so much the technical aspects e.g. endless belt, hinge action etc. Those items are based in fact so I know that they will succumb to my persistence at some point. The real challenge for me is (as Trig already said) is treating my perfectly good left arm as an inert length of rope, so I guess extensor action is a bit of a puzzle. It is difficult not to tend towards providing structure to the left arm without using muscular tension in that arm. But pushing or throwing the left arm off the chest is a great swing thought. If you cannot execute do you really understand it?

I can only speak from my own experience but the old ways seemed to have had there own essentials, often non compliant with TGM. My left side needed to be stiff to do all that I was doing with it. Breaking those old ways was like breaking a horse. The old ways were ingrained, learned and deep in my golf psyche.

I have come to think of the adoption of TGM as having two parts: 1. The learning of TGM. 2. The breaking of non complying old habits. Often the old and new seem diametrically opposed and incompatible. The turning off of old motions often a prerequisite to the full benefits of the new motion.

The period of training when both old and new are in play is a time of conflict. Extensor action for instance, feels awful when one is attempting right wrist cocking, left arm push away, left arm pull down etc etc.

I say, let this feeling of discomfort be your guide to the area of the conflict, resolve it and behold the promised land.

My guess is that Yoda's swing feels as good as it looks. No discomfort, no non compatible or conflicting elements. A free wheeling and smooth application of geometrically aligned linear force.

Now, I'm sure that like an old car on a cold morning it takes a little warming up from time to time. A little discomfort a few sputters at first but then after a while choke in and away he goes. More of a smooth running Jaguar 12 cylinder than Mr Magoo's often misaligned jalopy.