Simple and Easy to Follow Exercises to Unlock the Secrets of the Perfect Golf Swing

A while back I was asked this question through my golf newsletter - how much do I want my left knee to break down? I am right handed, in good shape and flexible, and I get a good shoulder turn, but I am not sure if I should restrict my left knee from turning in or just let it go. I just don't know how far to let it go, is too far bad? Should I restrict the movement to get a better coil and more torque?

I had a word with golf coach Mark Anthony Montaquila, with whom I have produced the Body Golf series of videos and DVDs to see what advice he had to offer. Here's what he told me ...

Break down? I wouldn't call it that. That's a bit negative. You do however want your back knee to be "soft" A lot of instructors call it flexed. Basically, you want to be able to see your kneecap sticking out of your pants at the top of the backswing.

I've developed several golf swing drills in order to train this movement without having to hit balls, which distracts you terribly because you're too preoccupied with where the ball is going. (like everyone else.)

But for all of you reading this, here's a couple of freebees.

1. Begin in the neutral stance.
2. Lean into your golf posture with a golf club on your shoulders.
3. Begin turning into your backswings and thru swings.
4. MAKE SURE that your back knee is SOFT on the backswing motion and be sure to finish with a toe-drag.
5. This motion is simply the golf swing without holding a club.

Try that until you can do it without thinking about it, then translate it to double-club pendulum swings. To do that, take a couple of long irons and set up in your normal swing posture, holding both clubs like they are one. Chin up and arms pretty much in line with the head. Start by turning the shoulders backwards and forwards - not a full swing. After a while, still using the shoulders, gradually increase to a three-quarters swing. It is not an arm chop, the movement comes from the shoulders with the arms relaxed and extended. If you struggle to swing from the shoulders, practice that by holding a club across your shoulders, behind your head and with one hand at either end of the club. You can then move the shoulders backwards and forwards to simulate the movement that a perfect golf swing will have.

So in short, for the perfect golf swing, keep that back knee soft and remember the toe drag. The same applies to left handed golfers too.

Want to see some free golf exercises to develop your perfect swing? Then visit Think and Reach Par for more great free golf swing tips for senior golfers or Golf for Leftys golf tips to improve your stance, grip and left handed golf swing.

Tips to Make Golf Enjoyable to All - Guide to Politeness on the Golf Course

Out on the course the other day, we were playing behind a really rude, lousily, foursome and it was truly awful. I am sure they knew better, but just did not care. That said, I thought I would quickly go through a few steps of golf etiquette and what you need to know in order to avoid being labeled as selfish out on the golf course.

Golf is a game of honor. It is easy to cheat at golf, so every player is on his honor. Those who don't play honorably are usually unpopular and will find it hard to get opponents as word soon gets round the club. Golf has its own code of etiquette that everyone should follow and obey. Here are just a few that I try to practice.

When it is your turn to play, be ready. When walking to your ball, make your decision about the club to use, whether you will hit straight or with draw or fade, the line you will take and so on. That way, when you arrive at the ball, you are ready to hit. You don't have to hurry, just be ready and make your play.

The norm is that first shot on any hole goes to the player with the lowest score on the previous hole. If that hole was tied, then the tee goes to the player with the lowest score on the previous hole. If everyone is clear about this, there will be no wasting time deciding who takes the next shot at the next tee. Play it different if you want. Just make sure everyone in your group knows and agrees.

Make sure those in front of you have cleared out of range before you hit. Make sure everyone in your foursome is behind you when you hit. Common courtesy as well as sensible health and safety.

Pay attention to the group behind you. If you are holding them up, let them play through. Some of us play faster than others. Groups that are unaware of others create annoyance and eventually anger at their selfishness.

Take care of the course. Repair your divots. Repair any ball marks. Replace any loose grass or turf in the center of the hole or anywhere there is loose grass. It is the responsibility of every golfer to look after the course.

Remember to rake the sand smooth after you have used the bunkers. Leaving them in a mess for the next group is bad form and selfish.

Park your cart away from the greens, tees, and bunkers. Park on the left side of the green, nearest the next tee.

One thing I see a lot is the people in front of me, are crowding around the hole filling in their score cards, after they have finished the hole. After you have finished a hole, move out the way to mark your score card. Mark your card on the way to the next tee. How hard is that?

These are a few things that will make the game better for all of us.

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