The Best Free Golf Video Lessons565 Free Golf Lessons from the Best ProsOver 120,000,000 views
565 lessons from professionals, selected and summarizedOver 120,000,000 views across all videos
Downswing and TransitionBody Rotation All clubs Intermediate ⏱ 8 min 🇬🇧 Video in English, summarized

Gary Player's Left Hip Rotation

Champions’ backswings are all different. For Gary Player, however, they have one thing in common: from the top of the swing, the left hip rotates. During his clinic, he demonstrates why this movement eliminates the biggest mistake made by amateurs.

▶
Gary Player
Gary Player · his YouTube channelFree lesson selected by Fred P.

To be continued

7 minSame problemA Stretch Feeling at the Start of the DownswingPadraig Harrington · Intermediate / Expert12 minSame problemStart the Downswing with Your Legs: Unscrew the LidDanny Maude · Intermediate4 minFrom the same proGary Player Road, Hole at St. Andrews: Playing the 17thGary Player · Intermediate / Expert

What the lesson shows

Gary Player compares the champions: Bobby Jones, Nicklaus, Hogan, and Lee Trevino each had their own backswing, but they all did the same thing From the top of the swing: Rotate your left hip. The lower body is the strongest part. As it rotates, it pulls the hands along, which follow one after another at a fast pace. The faster the rotation, the faster the clubhead moves: he demonstrates this by rotating a little faster—still with a smooth swing—and the ball travels farther.

In his view, the worst mistake an amateur can make is to fall behind, with a fake swing where the body doesn't follow through. Another principle: Every stroke is an acceleration, never a slowdown, not even in the bunker. He adds a training tip: the game is decided within 100 yards—with bunker shots, chips, and putts. Take short game lessons to lower your handicap.

The Exercise, Step by Step

  1. Keep your usual backswing: the video isn't meant to change it.
  2. At the top of the swing, initiate the downswing by rotating your left hip.
  3. Let your hands move naturally without trying to strike with them.
  4. Accelerate toward the ball and beyond, without braking.
  5. Finish with your weight shifted to your left side.
  6. Once you've mastered the motion, try turning a little faster while maintaining a smooth swing.

Key Takeaways

Champions have different backswing motions, but they all rotate their left hip from the top.
The lower body is the driving force; the hands follow.
The faster the swing, the faster the clubhead moves.
The most common mistake: falling behind.
Every stroke is an acceleration, never a deceleration.
The handicap decreases most significantly at distances of less than 100 yards.

Mistakes to Avoid

  • Staying on the back foot: the fake swing.
  • Strike with your hands instead of letting your body lead them.
  • Slow down as you approach the ball, whether in a bunker or elsewhere.
  • Try to copy a champion's backswing instead of the standard swing.
  • Spending all your practice time on the driver and neglecting your short game.

Driving Range Mode

Keep it in plain sight, on the rug.

  1. Slow swings, focusing only on the left hip from the top
  2. Hits the ball while gradually increasing the swing speed, with a fluid swing
  3. Check at the finish to make sure the weight is on the left
  4. Devote a large portion of the practice session to shots of less than 100 yards

Your Questions

Do I need to change my backswing to follow this advice?

No. Gary Player points out that great players had very different backswing patterns. What they had in common was the rotation of the left hip from the top of the swing.

What should you do with your hands during the downswing?

Nothing in particular: according to him, if the body turns, the hands have no choice but to follow quickly.

How can you increase your clubhead speed?

By spinning faster while maintaining a fluid swing. He demonstrates this: the ball travels farther when he increases the spin.

What does it mean to fall behind?

This is a swing in which the body does not shift to the left side. Player considers this to be the most common mistake among amateurs.

Learn More

All “Downhill and Transition” videos →Find the lesson that's right for youAll “Body Rotation” videos →Find the lesson that's right for you Rory McIlroy's Hip Rotation: The Right Side KeyRory doesn't work on his hips: he keeps his elbow, hip, and knee straight at impact, and warms up with dynamic stretches. Tiger Woods Corrects Amateur Swings: His TipsTiger comments on a dozen swings by fans and points out a flaw and a simple cue for each one: left buttock back, left arm against a window… Xander Schauffele and His Father's Side-Step DrillTogether with his father, Stefan, Schauffele demonstrates the track-and-field drills that shaped his swing: side step, back foot, heel strike. Gary PlayerAll of his lessons

Video posted on YouTube by its creator (Gary Player). Best Golf Tips selects and summarizes the best free lessons without hosting them.

* Amateur competitions with guidance from the pros