What is the Golf Swing Plane?

March 1, 2001

Hi, I’m Mel Sole, Director of Instruction at the Mel Sole Golf School, headquartered at Pawleys Plantation Golf and Country Club in Pawleys Island, SC. We conduct 1, 2 and 3-day golf schools, hourly golf lessons, and senior golf schools—any golf instruction program your heart desires. Give us a call at 800-624-4653 or 843-237-4993. We will be happy to book a commuter school or a package that contains accommodations, golf, and golf school.

Monthly Golf Tip by the Mel Sole Golf School.

This month's tip comes from Michael Brown of Sumter, SC, who asks: "How do I know when I am on plane with the backswing, the top of the swing and the downswing?"

What is the Golf Swing Plane?

Start of the Takeaway.

The takeaway starts with the arms and left side moving simultaneously, with the hands moving back along the "body line" (or toe line) as in picture #1. Notice I have not "pulled" the club to the inside but allowed my arms to swing back without manipulating the arms and hands. This is critical as any manipulation or rotation of the left forearm will immediately get the club off the plane. In addition, you'll notice that the clubface is parallel to the spine angle. This confirms that there is no forearm rotation.

Halfway up the backswing.

The shaft points either at the ball or slightly inside the ball line, as in picture #2.

What is the Golf Swing Plane?

And finally, the shoulders keep turning and set the club on plane at the top of the swing. The shaft should be pointed either directly down the line or slightly to the left of the target. (the club should not "cross the line" or point to the right of the target.)

Practice these moves in front of a mirror to see and feel the correct positions so that you'll know what to strive for when you go to the practice tee.

Note. In the featured image, I am using a SwingGyde. This will help you get the club more on plane. You can purchase it right here.

Source: Mel Sole Golf School.

Thanks for reading - What is the Golf Swing Plane? Now you know!

Monthly Golf Tip by the Mel Sole Golf School.

Start of the Takeaway.

Halfway up the backswing.

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