forward press

[gregm1948]

After much trouble with my shots pulling or slicing left (I am a lefty), I saw a fellow golfer pushing the club handle forward a couple inches just prior to his backswing. He said the move is called a "forward press" and was very popular many years ago. I tried it and it seems to help straighten my shots on the driving range. I still have to watch my other faults like topping or shanking the ball. I feel like I finally getting the steeper swing from my irons which are compressing the ball off the ground, as they are supposed to do. I wonder why this technique is no longer used or even mentioned by golf instructors. Are there any serious drawbacks in it?

Greg

[Bobby_Eldridge]

#1 The club potentially could become too steep in the take-away
#2 You have to be very carefull not to open your shoulders when you do this
#3 The invention of the off-set clubhead sets your hands forward of the leading edge slightly.

I hope this helped.

Bobby

[gregm1948]

Bobby,

When I set up with my irons and get the club with face square to target and sole flat on ground, the handle does go forward somewhat. I have tried to set up as you recommend with handle opposite belt buckle, but I slice or pull every shot that way. My wrists/arms do not roll over properly it seems. With the forward press, I am hitting straighter shots with less tendency to go off to the left (being a lefty). I still battle with topping and other problems, but until get the hang of turning the arms right, the foward press helps me get better results with the irons.

Greg

[Bobby_Eldridge]

Stick with it and keep me in the loop in regards to your progress.

Bobby