Senior Golf Swing: 3 Tips from Jean-Marc Espelt
Are you having trouble turning and losing power? Jean-Marc Espelt dedicates this video to senior golfers and offers three tips for turning more effectively without losing the support of your back leg. Practice these one by one at the driving range.
To be continued
What the lesson shows
Jean-Marc Espelt addresses seniors who feel they can no longer twist: without hip rotation, the shoulders don’t turn, and speed is lost. Above all, Your right foot should remain firmly planted on the ground: You can relax the bend in your right knee a little, but if your foot turns outward, all the energy is lost. First point: Relax your left knee and left heel a little to let your hips rotate, which then allows your shoulders to roll forward.
Second point: eye focus. Fixing your gaze on the ball hinders rotation; starting with your stance, Look a little to the right (for a right-hander), like very good players whose focus slips slightly. Third point: Loosen up your left elbow. With less flexible joints, keeping your left arm straight prevents the club from traveling far and forces you to shift your weight. Training tip: Hit about ten balls as a rule—never three at a time—and then combine them.
The Exercise, Step by Step
- At the address, plant your right foot firmly on the ground; it must not turn outward during the backswing.
- Hit about ten balls, slightly bending your left knee and lifting your left heel as you swing through.
- Hit about ten balls, keeping your gaze slightly to the right from the moment you assume your stance.
- Hit about ten balls while relaxing your left elbow to make your left arm more flexible.
- Next, combine two principles, and then all three, once you have mastered each one.
Key Takeaways
Mistakes to Avoid
- Push off with your right leg and move sideways to generate power.
- Keep your left knee locked above your left foot, which prevents your hips from rotating.
- Focus your gaze on the ball, which stops it from spinning.
- Wanting to keep the left arm straight despite less flexible joints.
- Work on all three points at the same time.
Driving Range Mode
Keep it in plain sight, on the rug.
- Ten balls, left heel slightly raised
- Ten bucks, glance to the right
- Ten balls, left elbow relaxed
- Final series combining two principles, then three
Your Questions
Why do older adults have trouble turning?
Jean-Marc Espelt notes that many older players do not rotate their hips as they rise; as a result, their shoulders cannot roll forward. Less flexible joints and a fixed gaze on the ball exacerbate this stiffness.
Isn't it risky to lift your left heel?
No, as long as you keep your right foot firmly planted. Letting your left knee and heel relax slightly frees up your hips, but your right foot must never turn outward.
Where should you look in the backswing?
As soon as you assume your stance, shift your gaze slightly to the right if you're right-handed. According to Jean-Marc Espelt, top players let their heads drop slightly so they can swing through the ball.
Should you keep your left arm straight?
Not necessarily. A slightly more flexible left elbow allows you to swing the club farther and thus gain speed, without having to compensate by shifting your weight.
Learn More
Video posted on YouTube by its creator (Jean-Marc Espelt). Best Golf Tips selects and summarizes the best free lessons, without hosting them.