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Special for SeniorsSwing and Swing Plane All clubs Seniors ⏱ 3 min 🇬🇧 Video in English, summarized

Senior Golf Swing: Jim McLean's Keys to Turn Freely

Jim McLean compares a senior player's swing to that of his son John, who swings at nearly 120 mph. For a slower player, he teaches techniques he wouldn't teach a young player: a backswing that shifts to the right and a sharp release of the club.

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Jim McLean
Jim McLean · his YouTube channelFree lesson selected by Fred P.

To be continued

11 minSame problemKeep Your Driving Speed: Mickelson's MethodPhil Mickelson · Intermediate / Expert / Seniors7 minSame problemDriver Speed for Seniors: Glenn HaynesAussie Golf Pros · Seniors8 minFrom the same proBen Hogan's waggle and that of the pros, by Jim McLeanJim McLean · Intermediate

What the lesson shows

For Jim McLean, players who swing at 70, 75, or 80 mph are often given inappropriate advice, such as twisting while standing still to generate torque. Instead, he asks them to Let your body and head move during the backswing. The spine tilts to the right as soon as the golfer takes the address position, then tilts a little further: the line between the left hip and the shoulder passes behind the ball. This movement adds power and depth to the backswing and be gentle on your back, whereas, in an effort to stay still, many simply end up lifting the club.

The key point comes on the downhill section: release the club instead of holding it back, while moving toward the target. No stopping, no leaning back: you drive the ball forward and feel the club pass in front of you. In his demonstration, The right foot stays on the ground—or almost on the ground. and the arms fold back at the finish. It's a swing that doesn't put any strain on the body, and he says he's had a lot of success with it.

The Exercise, Step by Step

  1. At the address, tilt the spine slightly to the right.
  2. During the backswing, let your head and upper body shift to the right: the line from your left hip to your shoulder should pass behind the ball.
  3. Aim for depth instead of lifting the club.
  4. Start the downswing by moving toward the target.
  5. Let go of the club and feel it pass in front of you.
  6. Keep your right foot down and let your arms bend at the finish.

Key Takeaways

A swing designed for speeds of 70 to 80 mph, not for a player hitting 120 mph.
The head and upper body may shift to the right during the backswing.
The column leans to the right at the address, then a little more.
This offset adds depth and is easy on the back.
Let the club fall naturally on the downswing; don't hold it back.
Right foot flat on the ground—or almost—with arms bending at the finish.

Mistakes to Avoid

  • Try to generate torque while remaining still, like a fast young player.
  • Freeze at the backswing and just lift the club.
  • Hold the club in a downward motion instead of letting it go.
  • Come to a stop or fall backward upon impact.

Driving Range Mode

Keep it in plain sight, on the rug.

  1. Backswings with the head shifted to the right in front of a mirror
  2. Swing that drives the ball toward the target
  3. Finish with arms bent and right foot down

Your Questions

Why does Jim McLean let the seniors move their heads?

To give them power and depth in their backswing without straining their back. Trying to stay still often causes them to lift the club.

Is this swing suitable for all players?

No. Jim McLean designs it for players who swing at around 70 to 80 mph. He doesn't teach it to a young, fast player like his son John.

What should you do when going downhill?

Release the club as you move toward the target, without stopping or leaning backward, then let your arms fold back at the finish.

Learn More

All “Senior Special” videos →Find the lesson that's right for youAll “Swing and Swing Plane” videos →Find the lesson that's right for you Golf: 6 Mobility Exercises for People Over 60Mobility, stability, balance: the three weaknesses a fitness trainer often finds in golfers over 60, and two exercises for each. Keep Your Driving Speed: Mickelson's MethodHow Mickelson Maintains His Drive Speed as He Ages: A Heavy Club, Speed Clubs on Both Sides, Forward-Leg Drive, and Physical Conditioning. Gary Player's Physical Exercises for GolfAt age 80, Player demonstrates his exercises: back counter-stretches, full squats, elbow-to-knee crunches, the Williams exercise, and properly performed push-ups. Jim McLeanAll of his lessons

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

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