55. The moment of truth in a golf swing is not impact but 5 or 6 feet before impact

This one needs graphics!!!!!!

Many analysts of the swing would say that the moment of impact is the golf shots defining moment. It is certainly the moment when the swings potential is imparted on the ball but for me, the sequence of pictures shows the golf shots defining moment.

When we reach the part of the swing in the first picture, what has gone before stands for little, it is what you do now that determines your fate. Getting into the position as shown in the first frame still gives you no guarantee. Your success is determined by releasing into the final position of the last frame. Every good player swings identical through this sequence. Very subtle differences occur for high shots, low shots, fades and draws but if the worlds top players all wanted to hit a low shot, they would all exhibit identical dynamics that bring that shot about. There are many theories but only one set of Physics.

At high speed, the differences are nearly impossible to see which is why coaches to the best players spend their time watching the balls flight for clues to what’s going on in the swing. How you get to the top of the backswing is up to you as is how you start the first part of the downswing.

The ball is not in the least bit bothered about style, just effect. A tennis player could perform cartwheels across court as long as he could get into position in time to deliver the racquet. In a golf swing, you have to get into the right position for the club head to be released and that position is approximately our first picture. The moment of truth in a golf swing is here, not impact. If you are right here you have a great chance of success but if are wrong at this point, you are doomed.This sequence is the heart and soul of the swing. I would even go as far as to say that if you were to learn just this movement, the rest of the action would simply grow out of it. It is the embryo of an effective top class action. 

To start with, notice how far the club-head travels in comparison to the body through the sequence. This happens because the hands and forearms are now the active part of the action and the slight bit of body action we see is prompted by this activity. The body should not be deliberately active through here, only "passively active" or complimentary to the hands, arms and clubhead. Achieving the first position will only be a benefit to you if you know how the hands release the club.

Sadly, many players unfortunately do not know how the hand and forearm action works in this area. Great players have great hand and arm action. Make no mistake about this point, without great hand and arm action, Tiger Woods would be teeing it up with club players in the Club medal this weekend.

The defining moment is this sequence of the action. Success is determined by how good your hand and arm action is in this area. Remember, your grip is the only contact with the club. Most players know how to set the hand position in the backswing but only the best players know how they work through the ball.

For success, educate your hands. Create golfers hands, and let the rest of the swing follow