What is the Takeaway?

The Takeaway is likely the most significant portion of the golf swing, as if executed incorrectly, it is impossible to perform the following movements after, 

• After addressing your ball position, and what shot you plan to hit, the takeaway is the movement up to about ¼ of the way up your backswing, and is the guide for your swing ath throughout your swing. 

  • There are 5 key steps to mastering the takeaway, 

    • Step one: Dip, and Rotate your inside shoulder below your chin, and while lifting the club off the ground, keep your inside arm straight, and prevent your inside arm from hinging. 

      • Imagine the angle your wrist makes with your arm, keep this angle obtuse so you don't inge your twist too far. 

 

Step Two:

• As demonstrated in the diagram, when your club head reaches a horizontal angle, and is perpendicular to your body, ensure you point your clubhead directly back, parallel to your stance.

  • This will avoid you from your takeaway being too inside out, or outside in your swing path. 

  • If your club starts outside, it will cause one of two shots. 

    • If you hit the ball square, but come across it will increase sideways spin on the ball and cause a slice. 

    • If you follow the outside in a swing path it will cause a pull, and cause a much more hooky shot than normal. 

Step 3:

• To prevent hooking, and pulling balls due to the clubface, ensure that the face of the club is parallel to the angle your back is, while your back is on a 45 degree angle.

  • This will ensure you don't open, or close your clubface too much during your swing, or roll your wrist during your takeaway, 

  • Rolling your wrist opens your club face, and causes you to come across the ball, influencing your ball to slice due  to the side spin motion.