Fit for Play
by DAVE POND
Eye on the Prize
Exploring the impact of hand-eye coordination on your golf swing
While swing mechanics and mental fortitude undeniably reign supreme on the golf course , hand-eye coordination is the one often-overlooked skill that silently brings everything together .
It ’ s the invisible thread that weaves together power and precision . It ’ s that elusive state of flow we all chase on the course , said Reid Derco , head professional at Suffolk ’ s Cedar Point Club .
“ Hand-eye coordination is simply your hands and eyes working together to be athletic ,” he said . “ For the average golfer , ball striking is essential for lowering their golf scores , and hand-eye coordination is a big part of that . If every 1-5 to 20-handicap never had a mishit when it comes to contact , there ’ s no doubt in my mind that they would have lower scores .”
From the moment you address the ball to the satisfying crack of contact , your hands and eyes must be in sync .
“ As golfers , we use hand-eye to feel a move , feel a distance , and feel a result ,” Derco said . “ it ’ s essential when it comes to ball striking consistency and general feel in a player ’ s game .”
Now , let ’ s take a closer look at how hand-eye coordination impacts every phase of your swing :
PHOTO BY R MORGAN HOUSE ON UNSPLASH
36 V IRGINIA G OLFER | M ARCH / A PRIL 2024