improper takeawy

Question
I recently had major surgery on my right neck and shoulder.My ball striking has went from average to poor.My playing partners tell me that I am pulling my irons way inside on my takeaway causing me to twist my body and get all sorts of very very poor shots.I have even went to hybrid irons trying to compensate without success.Can you assist me.

Answer
Hello Jack:  Sorry to hear of your surgery.  As with most surgeries and operations, it leaves one with a different motion.  Sometimes we get back to golf a little too soon and end up playing around the discomfort.

Not having seen you before and after the surgery, I can only guess as to what has changed.  I would say you've stood up straighter as it's less painful to turn around yourself than it is to take the club away and up from the ball.  If that's the case, I would suggest you lay off golf until the pain leaves.  The position that will eliminate the motion you describe is one which you 1.  Bend from the hips so that your shoulders are just past your toes, 2. Flex your knees just to the point of unlocking them, 3.  Stand far enough from the ball to allow your arms to hang straight down from your shoulders, and 4. Make sure the weight is on the balls of the feet.  This position will allow you to move your arms and the club away from the ball in sync with your shoulder turn; minimizing any pain this may cause.

I hope this helps and you get back to your former form in short order.

Fairways and Greens,

John
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