Pro Tips
Triangle Connection is Key
Generate More Speed and Power
by Courtney Mahon, LPGA
Many of you know, my father, Charlie Mahon, is a PGA Professional in the Kansas City area. He was my main instructor throughout my golfing career and taught me many important aspects of the game. One of the best lessons he emphasized was to maintain a connection between my body and arms.
Ideally our bigger muscles— the quads, buttocks, and core muscles— control the motion of the swing. When these muscles are in control, the arms and club can generate more speed and power resulting in more distance and better ball striking.
Learning how to have more of a body-based swing can be challenging. Here are some tips to learn how to use your bigger muscles.
1. Start by hitting half shots, only allowing the club to travel from waist high to waist high. The goal on these shots is to maintain the triangle that is created with the shoulders and arms. Dad always stressed the importance of maintaining the triangle through the base of the swing and learning how to move the triangle with the body.
2. From the start of the swing, the arms need to be moved by the body instead of the arms taking the club to the top of the backswing. You may feel mechanical while hitting these shots, but eventually you will learn how to swing more freely with the body controlling the swing.
3. Practice hitting half shots for at least two weeks until you feel confident that your bigger muscles are in control.
4. The final step is to incorporate this new feel into bigger fullswings.
Remember, maintain the triangle, feel your big muscles moving the club, and look forward to better ball striking!
30 May 2025 TEE TIMES GOLF GUIDE
In this photo, note the students are working on maintaining the“ Triangle,” while turning the shoulders during the backswing. Limit the amount of hip-turn and maintain a centered head position( like student on the left) throughout the half swing.
Courtney Mahon is a LPGA Class A professional and Director of Instruction at Tour Striker Golf Academy Midwest at Falcon Ridge Golf Club. Awarded 2020 LPGA Teacher of the Year and a Top 50 U. S. Kids Tour teacher for 2017. For questions or help, contact her at
Courtney @ TourStriker. com or call 913.393.4653. Scan the QR Code for a direct link to lesson videos and even review them while you’ re on the range.
Lesson videos at www. youtube. com / courtneymahongolf.