LETTER FROM THE TEACHING PROFESSIONAL
HIP DIFFERENTIAL TEST
Over the last few months , we have investigated some bio-mechanical pieces of the golf swing and how it relates to the set up . One of the most important , as is relates to accuracy , is what we call a hip differential test . When we do this test and adjust accordingly , the accuracy and quality of contact greatly improves .
This test is essentially measuring hip speed , and how the lead arm should grip the club for them both to match up . The first step is to make an X on the ground with 2 alignment sticks ( seen in the pictures below ). Next , get another alignment stick and put it through the front two belt loops on your shorts or pants . As you swing the club perpendicular to the X made by alignment sticks , the stick going through the belt will give you an indication of how close to 45 degrees the hips will be when you strike the ball . So , in short , the hip speed directly effects how opened or closed the clubface is at impact . Therefore , a player with faster hip speed will need a more neutral lead hand grip , and the slower the hips , the stronger the lead hand grip will need to be to get the ball to start online .
After this test is performed , the next step is to grip the club with the trail hand and have the club face set up square to a 2x4 ( see demonstration below ). Once you ’ re set up , get the stick going through belt loops into impact position . With only the trail hand grip and hips in impact position , the clubface tends to open slightly depending on what type of trail hand grip is used . While the hips are open in an impact position , and the trail hand is on the club , we can now adjust the lead hand grip to get the club back to square . You can see how strong , or weak , the lead hand grip needs to be to hit the ball flush at impact .
So , when we match up the players hip speed to the lead hand grip , this results in the ball being struck online , with significantly better contact . Hope you all have a great month and hit ‘ em well !
Ben Johnson
PGA , Teaching Professional
SEPTEMBER eaglebrooke newsletter 5