Mel Sole

View Original

Stop Coming Over the Top Today!

Stop Coming Over the Top Today!

Hi, I’m Mel Sole, Director of Instruction at the Mel Sole Golf School, headquartered at Pawleys Plantation Golf and Country Club in Pawleys Island, SC.  We conduct 1, 2 and 3-day golf schools, hourly golf lessons, and senior golf schools—any golf instruction program your heart desires. Give us a call at 800-624-4653 or 843-237-4993.  We will be happy to book a commuter school or a package that contains accommodations, golf, and golf school.

 Monthly Golf Tip by the Mel Sole Golf School.

In a previous golf tip about coming over the top, I emphasized the correct position at the top of the backswing to prevent coming over the top. This month I'm adding a second part to this article due to the confusion of most golfers regarding the start of the downswing.

Once you are in the correct position at the top, the very first move of the downswing is a small lateral slide of the hips towards the target. This will automatically let the hands drop down vertically

Stop Coming Over the Top Today! Stop Coming Over the Top Today!

Back View.

Seen from the back, you will notice that in picture #1, I have started the downswing with the lateral slide.  This causes the hands to drop down vertically. In picture #2, I rotate the hips, causing the hands to move away from the body in the classical "over the top" move.

#3Stop Coming Over the Top Today!Stop Coming Over the Top Today!

Front View.

By comparing pictures #3 and #4, you'll see that the hips have slid laterally about 6 inches towards the target without turning the hips!

Stop Coming Over the Top Today!

The Spin-Out!

This is a critical issue here. When you turn the hips too early or turn them at the start of the downswing, the hands will move out and over, causing an outside to swing, resulting in a pull or a slice (depending on where the clubface is at impact) as in picture #5.

From the back view once again.  In picture #6, see the correct position of the hands in relation to the body.  Also, the clubhead in relation to the hands. Notice the hands are fairly close to the right thigh, and the clubhead is behind the hands. At this point, the hips have still not turned out of the way. It is only from this point that the body starts turning (rapidly). Compare that to picture #7, when the downswing was started with the rotation of the hips.

In picture #8 I am at the impact position and ready to deliver the clubhead squarely to the ball. The clubhead path should travel along the target line for as long as possible.

You are now armed with the knowledge of How to Stop Coming Over the Top Finally!  Good luck!

Source: Mel Sole Golf School.

Thanks for reading - Stop Coming Over the Top Today!  A little practice, and you'll have this!

Related Posts.

Address and Ball Position.

Stop Coming over the Top.

Stop hitting off the back foot.

Marking Your Ball – Rules & Etiquette #67.

Lateral Water Hazard – Rules & Etiquette #41.

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO MY CHANNEL, LIKE THIS VIDEO, SHARE IT WITH A FRIEND, LEAVE A COMMENT!