back swing

Question
QUESTION: I am not a very good golfer, mainly because of lower back problems( this probably has nothing to do with my question).: should you rotate the clubface open on the back swing and close it on the down swing?  I am thinking mainly about high lofted irons and hybrids since thats what I use the most. I will appreciate your advice. Milt

ANSWER: Milt,

Sorry to hear about your lower back problems. Have you consulted a physician about an exercise program?

It's not necessary to open the club on the back swing and then close it on the down swing. This would be very hard to control and would create
inconsistencies. Keep the club square throughout the swing and this will produce straighter and more consistent results. Do you have the ability to move your shoulders close to 90 degrees on the back swing? If so swing the club using your shoulders and keep the clubface square throughout the swing.

Thank you for the question,

Michael Hoffman
PGA Professional

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for your prompt reply to my question.My problem is actually a lumbar vertibra problem, the lower 4 are fused together, something some people are born with, it doesn't interfere with things I do except, sports and lifting,etc.  I do back exercises every morning to keep limber.  I can make about a 45% shoulder turn, consequently i have mostly an arms swing. I am going to start keeping the clubface square throughout the swing, I think that will help. By the way I am 81 yrs old and I didn't start playing untill I retired. I just want to able to play well enough to play with peers and not hold things up.  Any additional tips will be appreciated!
thanks, Milt

Answer
Milt,

I think it's wonderful that you enjoy playing golf.

Now that I know some of the particulars, let see if we can help out in other ways. Since your back swing is limited to 45 degrees, your arms and wrists become extremely important. Make sure that your hold the golf club very lightly so your wrists can hinge at the top of the swing. This second lever can add distance to your shots. All you have to do on the downswing is fully unhinge (or release) your wrists to add more club head speed.

Make sure sure that that shafts are the most limber that you can control. In theory, the more flexible the shaft the more club head speed you'll attain.

Best of luck and thanks for the follow up.

Michael