A finish position that resembles a
professional golfer has great balance and full body rotation towards the
target and beyond. Professionals making a full swing do not stop
immediately after impact because they have so much momentum and
acceleration through impact they have to keep going. I’m going to share
with you the keys to a great follow through, how to make your follow
through automatic!
You might be thinking, “I already look
like a professional in my finish position.” That is awesome!
Listening to this audio will give you proven strategies to make sure you
continue your great technique! You may question, “Is this possible?
I’ve tried to get to a better follow through for years.” Yes! You can
do this!! I know this because I’ve taught thousands of golfers to make
an effortless yet powerful swing! When you follow through to a great
finish position, with perfect balance, something good will happen at the
ball!
Talking about a balanced finish
position and perfect pose brings me to a photo of one of the most
amazing moments in golf history. The photo was taken during the 1950 US
Open at Merion Golf Club as Ben Hogan held his finish position and
watched his 1-iron shot fly towards the green. The shot was from the
middle of the 18th fairway on the final day and Hogan needed a par to
force a playoff.
It was a miracle that he was even
competing as this was Hogan’s first tournament back after being in a car
crash that nearly killed him. Hogan’s car collided head-on with a
Greyhound bus. He fractured his collarbone, pelvis, ankle and crushed
on of his ribs. The doctors told him his golf career was over.
Obviously, Hogan did not accept that diagnosis, and sixteen months
later, he was in fighting to win the prestigious US Open.
As you know, the US Open always
provides great physical and mental challenges to the players. It was
even a greater test in the early days as the schedule included 36 holes
of play on the final day. The physical toll of the day was almost too
much for Hogan. David Barrett, author of “Miracle at Merion,” shares
that on the 12th hole Hogan almost fell down, and he could barely walk
after that. Hogan himself even admitted almost quitting after the 13th
hole. “A winner never quits and a quitter never wins!” Hogan’s playing
partner and competitor, Cary Middlecoff, actually marked Hogan’s balls
on the greens because Hogan was in such agony with searing pain in his
legs with every step.
Hogan’s courage, mental toughness and
sheer determination helped him to not only survive the day but to have
the opportunity to force a playoff.
Needing a par on a very challenging
finishing hole, Hogan hit a drive to the middle of the fairway, and then
the miracle shot … he hit his 1-iron to the green. It was Lee Trevino
who said to avoid getting hit by lightening, “Stand in the middle of the
fairway and hold up a 1-iron. Even God can’t hit a 1-iron.” Well, Ben
Hogan could! He hit it perfectly in the perfect moment! His ball hit
the green and held, Hogan two-putted to force a playoff!
The next day he returned to Merion to
win the 18-hole playoff over Lloyd Magnum and George Fazio. This was the
second of his four U.S. Open titles.
The “Miracle at Merion” as it is
known, was such an amazing story of heart and strength that Hollywood
would made a movie about it called “Follow the Sun” just one year after
his triumph!
Practice following through to a balanced finished position and you’ll play even better golf!
Golf Positive! Live Positive! Be Positive!
*This is an excerpt from the book Golf Positive! Live Positive! written by Debbie O’Connell