swing help

Question
hi michael. i used to be a scratch golfer when i was younger, but it's been 6
years since i've picked up a club, but now i'm getting back into it. i've posted
video of my swing to the link below. there's a whole lot wrong with it at the
moment and i'm look for some help.

first off i've lost some swing speed for sure. i used to average around 114 and
know i'm averaging about 105. i feel like my temp is way quick on my back
swing, i'm not sure the club is in the right position at the top and it looks like
i'm swaying a bit and maybe not getting all my weight to my left side through
impact. i may have a little reverse C going on and my follow through looks
crappy...

when i miss, i usually miss to the left and hook it. when i hit it well (especially
off the tee) my ideal ball flight drives real high with a little power fade at the
end.

copy and past this address to view video of my swing. please help!

http://www.yonderwoodfilms.com/swing.mov


Answer
Michael,

It's great to hear that you're back playing golf. Before I get into critiquing your swing, let me just say to be patient as you get back into the swing of things.

It was wonderful to see the different angles and speeds (slow motion)of your swing. There were two items that I'll describe for you and they were both in your setup. One, your shoulders are open to your target. This allows the club to travel on an outside path during your back swing. Notice that in the first three to five feet of your back swing your hands actually get further from your body in this initial stage of your swing. So, let's square those shoulders up to the target to improve the path on the take away. This will allow you to take the club away from the target on the correct path and to avoid that outside in down swing which causes you to pull hook the ball.

The second thing that I'll mention is that at address you look extremely tense. It appears that you have a death grip on the club. Your shoulders, arms, and hands look very tight before you take the club back. Try to relax and have soft forearms and a lighter grip on the club prior to take away.

I believe both of these tips will help you right away. Give it some time and you'll see the payoff.

Send me your swing in 4 - 6 weeks and we'll continue.

Thank you,

Michael Hoffman
PGA Professional