Golf: The anatomy of a golf swing

Richard Dunn

As we usher in 2002, Mesa Verde Country Club men’s club champion

and two-time Jones Cup participant Pete Daley (Newport Beach) has offered

a description of the perfect golf swing.

“Everyone can learn to play golf. Once a player has mastered the grip

and stance, all he has to bear in mind, in the brief two-second interval

it takes to swing, is to keep the left elbow pointed in toward the left

hip and the right arm loose and closer to the body than the left ...

“Then take the club head past his right knee, then break the wrists at

just the right instant while the left arm is still traveling straight

back from the ball and the right arm stays glued to the body, then let

the hips come around in a perfect circle ...

“Meanwhile, everything is mucked up unless the weight is 60% on the

left foot and 40% on the right and not an ounce more or less. At just the

right point in the turn the left knee bends in toward the right in a

dragging motion until the left heel comes off the ground, but not too

far.

“Be sure the hands are over the right foot, but not on the toe more

than the heel, except that the left side of the right foot is tilted off

the ground, but not too far.

“Be sure the hands at the top of the swing are high and the shaft

points along a line parallel with the ground, and if it’s a downhill lie,

the shaft is supposed to be pointed downhill, too. Then pause at the top

of the swing and count one, jerk the left arm straight down like a bell

ringer yanking a belfry rope, but don’t uncork the wrists too soon and

pull the left hip around in a circle, but don’t let the shoulders turn

with the hips -- they have to be facing the hole.

“And, now, transfer the weight 60% to the left foot and 40% to the

right side -- not an ounce more or less -- and tilt the left foot now so

the right side of it is straight. That’s the one you hit against. Watch

out for the left hand, it’s supposed to be extended, but not too stiff or

the shot won’t go anywhere, and don’t let it get loose or you will hook.

And let the wrists uncork, but don’t force them or you’ll smother the

shot. And don’t break too soon, but keep your head down, then hit the

ball. That’s all there is to it!”