Early hip release

Question
Hi. I am writing to ask your advice regarding releasing my hips too early in the downswing. It is something that has appeared in my swing over the last 18 months or so, probably as a result of playing with much longer hitters than myself and trying to gain extra distance (I am only 5'5" and play with people well over 6 foot!!). When swinging it feels like my hips are coming round to face the target a long time before my club hits the ball. It is almost as if the club gets stuck behind me. The result is I drag the club round behind me and I either get a large pull hook or a weak block, depending on how I use my hands. Often my divots are pointing directly at the pin, but the ball is way left or right of it. I have terrible problems with my driver, woods and longer irons.

I have been for a few lessons regarding this with a teacher who I really trust and he confirms the problem that I have got and I have seen it on video. I spoke to my teacher who said that there are simply no drills available to correct this behavior. I just have to be conscious of not rotating my hips through the swing. I simply find this nearly impossible to do. I have practiced many times, trying to do this, but I think I am actually getting worse. I have so ingrained this early hip rotation, that it is entirely automatic. I even have to be really careful not to do it when I am pitching from inside 70 yards!!!

I have a 12 handicap and was hoping to get close to single figures this year. I have very regularly broken 80 in the past. However, at present I haven't broken 90 in 3 months. I am getting really frustrated and was thinking of taking a break from golf for a while, but I enjoy playing so much.

Do you have any drills and/or advice than could help me? I would be extremely grateful. I am very happy to work hard to get my swing back, but I simply don't know what to work on or how to work!!

Ashley


Answer
Hi there and thank you for asking.  While reading your question I thought you were a boy or young man, but when I read your sign off name, I was a bit surprised.  You must really love swinging hard and have a strong personality, which is very good, because that foundation is a lot better than someone who is meek and passive.  And I am not sure where you are taking lessons, but there are drills for EVERY single flaw ANYONE has in golf or any other sport.  Now there are different levels of effectiveness, and nothing is guranteed to work unless the golfer trains hard and becomes diligent in listening to every detail and following them.

I will give you some links to some FAQ's I have already written on this other web in which I am more active... read these FAQ's first, try them out on the range and course, and then get back to me.  Through all this, try to keep one though in your hand.  The golf swing is primarily a swing of skill, therefore, is primarily enacted by your hands and the body is there to support.  The more body you use, the less skill you are using, and the more the ball will not listen to you.  Here is the link to the FAQ's and the ones you should read:

http://answerway.com/profile.php?expid=Dathaeus

click on the link

"View My Public FAQS!"

and read:

- Physics of moment of impact in golf...
- Why do we "come out of shots...
- Maintain Proper Shoulder Rotation...
- Overswinging/Toning down...
- Detached Arms/Hitting on heel of clubhead...
- Overactive Hips For Power...
- Swing Plane Drills...

If you need any more followups or advice, please go to

http://answerway.com/profile.php?expid=Dathaeus

and you can click on

"Ask Me a Direct Question"

and follow the instructions. I do not use this site as much
as Answerway.com so I will be able to assist you better
there... Thank you and good luck!