Golf tip: Keeping it straight with the merry-go-round drill

darilmug.jpgDaril Pacinella





Merry Go Round Drill


This will help stop any early extension in the golf swing which produces a miss hit in the form of a block to the right or a hook to the left.

Step-by-step instructions

With the club across your chest with the majority of the club sticking out to your trail side

1. Turn to the top of your backswing focusing on keeping your forward posture.


2. On the downswing try and get the club head to the golf ball.


3. In order to do this, you will have to maintain your distance from the ball and stop your hips from moving toward the golf ball. This will help stop any early extension in the golf swing where your hips and spine, start to go into extension or straighten up to early on the downswing causing numerous swing flaws: blocks to the right and hooks to the left.



Half Kneeling Long Turns

This is a great exercise to help build greater flexibility between your upper and lower body. It also teaches you how to stabilize your lower body while rotating the upper body.

Step-by-step instructions

Start by getting into a half kneeling position with your front foot placed directly in front of your down knee. Sit as tall as possible. Raise a golf club up over your head and continue to try and sit as tall as possible:

1. Slowly begin to rotate your trunk and the club as far as possible to the right.


2. Then to the left.


3. Repeat this movement 15 times to each side. Go slow enough to maintain a good posture and good balance.


(Never perform any stretch to the point of pain and only in a controlled manner).