Doc’s Pro Lesson: The Kinematic Sequence

This week’s lesson comes from PGA Professional Wayne O’Callaghan at his academy in Fernhill Golf Club, Carrigaline Cork. 
info@wayneocallaghangolf.com,www.fernhillcountryclub.com

Have you ever wondered how someone like Jim Furyk has won a US Open with such an unorthodox golf swing? Fortunately with the aid of 3D motion capture systems research has identified the true measurement of a good golf swing. The answer is not that your swing resembles Tiger woods on a video camera, the answer is in the efficiency of your golf swing compared to the best players in the world.
The Kinematic sequence is where golfers generate speed and transfer it through their bodies and to the clubhead. There is an identical sequence of speed generation for all great ball strikers. That sequence is lower body first, thorax second, lead arm third and club shaft next. Each segment of the body builds on the previous segment, increasing speed up the chain. Each segment slows down as the next segment continues to accelerate.
A great drill to an efficient Kinematic sequence is to place an alignment rod in the belt loop of your trousers at the left hip and hit shots. If you move your hips too fast your hands will hit the rod before you make contact as shown in the picture on the left. The picture on the right shows how the hips have lead the downswing but slowed for the chest, arms and clubhead to fire in an efficient way.

photo spin doc badphoto spin doc good
Left = bad                                                                            Right = good