Golf tip: Towel drill helps fix problems with swing
Q: My question to you is regarding a training tool. I was at the range the other day and I noticed another golfer practicing with a long towel under both arm pits. I have seen a video on the The Golf Channel with an instructor using a small towel under the right arm but never under both arms. Is it better to practice having the towel under both arms or just the right arm. What does this drill accomplish? Regards, Walter Landino.
A: This drill is used to develop connection, rhythm and synchronization in your golf swing.
Look for a large towel and roll it up the long way. At this point, put it behind your back and under each arm. Then take a wedge and start to make easy three quarter length backswings.
Focus on turning your body and swinging your arms. This creates balance, rhythm and most importantly, synchronization in your swing.
If you are doing this correctly, the towel will stay in place. If done incorrectly, the towel will fall out, meaning you have become disconnected. I use this drill with my students, especially with wedges.
This drill creates consistency and distance control. What you viewed on The Golf Channel was possibly a player that had too much of an inside to out swing path.
By placing it under the right arm, the right arm won't be able to disconnect after impact and release down the target line. This type of inconsistency is more common to players that are inside-out swingers.
There are always different types of drills for specific problems. If you find that you can't fix something in your swing by yourself, find a local teaching professional that can diagnose your swing fault and give you the correct drill to help you improve.
Have fun and enjoy the game.
Daril’s credentials
Daril Pacinella is the Director of Instruction at Turtle Creek Country Club in Rockledge. He is a teaching professional with more than 40 years of experience. He was nominated as one of the “top 100 instructors in America,” by Golf magazine; “Best Golf Teacher” in Massachusetts by Golf Digest and Connecticut PGA Teacher of the Year. He is a certified TPI golf fitness instructor and has developed strength and flexibility programs for golfers of all ages.
Readers may submit questions on anything related to golf. Send your question to pgabear@aol.com. If your question is selected, it will be published in the sports section in FLORIDA TODAY on Tuesday. You also will receive a free round of golf provided at one of the golf courses listed: Turtle Creek Golf Course in Rockledge, Duran Golf Course in Viera, Baytree National Golf Links in Suntree, or Viera East Golf Club.
Free Golf Clinic
When: Daril will hold the clinic Saturday, Jan. 6, at Turtle Creek Golf Course in Rockledge from 9 to 10 a.m.
What: Daril will be discussing how to hit crisp iron and hybrid shots from the fairway and the rough. Everyone that attends will get a free round of golf voucher for Turtle Creek Golf Course.