Head staying behind ball

Question
Hey Eddie I have been playing golf for 2 and a half years and got to a 1. But recently I can't break 80. I have had a few pros look at my swing and they say I get my body ahead of the ball and I do it in a effort to get to my left side. The problem is when I try to keep my head back and don't get to my left side. My misses are straight blockes and nasty hooks. Also at impact my shoulders are level and my elbow is way away from my body. Any tips would be awesome

Answer
Hey Justin:

First, please go watch my video on my home page at http://eddiekilthaugolf.com.  It addresses this issue.  That is a way for you to see what I talk about in reference to keeping head behind the ball.  If you get your body ahead of the ball but try to keep your head back behind the ball, those two don't mix.  That would be more of a slide past the ball.  A slide leads to blocks and hooks, just like you say.  Simply put, you need to do two things.  Let's say them first, then discuss them.  One:  you need to continue to have your upper body open through impact.  Allow your chest to continue to open through impact.  Do not try to stay back.  If you do, your chest will stop turning through but your hips will continue to slide.  Two:  a great checkpoint is AT IMPACT, your left heel should be about an inch or two off the ground.  The reason is because you are moving off the back foot and into the left side.  So let's picture this whole thing.  If I am standing in front of you watching you do this correctly, when you swing forward, I would put my club against the left side of your head (like in my video because your nose MUST be behind the ball at impact), your left side and chest would be turning more than sliding and you'd be pushing off the right instep, the right knee would be moving inward towards the left toe and when you are finished with your swing, your right hip pocket would be past where the ball was originally.  Go through this a few times to feel how to properly get off the right side and get into the left side.  It is not a slide, it is more of the hips unwinding and using the feet and legs correctly.  Give it a go, ask if you have questions.   

Eddie Kilthau
PGA Member