“What part of the body initiates the golf swing?” Answer this question correctly and you could become a golf instructor with a waiting list a mile long. The simple order in which the golf swing happens is possibly the most confusing topic in all of golf. In the past you could have asked 5 people and likely gotten 5 different answers. No one knew for sure.

With the advent of 3-D motion analysis, we can now identify the exact order of not only the start of the golf swing but also the downswing as well. What part of the body moves first, second or third is no longer a mystery. Better yet, understanding the correct order could be your key to better ball striking. Yes, believe it or not, most all tour players have the same order no matter what their swing style.

The club and arms initiate the first movement of the golf swing. They are followed by the torso/chest and finally the hips. This order naturally builds power by the upper body rotating on top of the lower body and creating what is termed “separation” in the golf swing. Separation builds power through a “stretch” between upper body and lower body. This stretch is typically felt from the left shoulder to the left hip.

To deliver the power built in the backswing in an efficient and repeatable order, simply reverse the order. Initiate the downswing with the hip followed by the torso/chest and finally the arms and club. The downswing sequence is vital to maintain maximum speed and power into impact. Any variance in this order will greatly decrease distance and accuracy.

By Todd Kolb, Certified PGA Instuctor