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| Lee Da-yeon, left, during the SK Networks Seokyung Ladies Classic / Courtesy of KLPGA |
By Kim Jeong-kyoo
Lee Da-yeon stands only 157 centimeters tall, but she hits the ball way long. She hits her tee shots 250.5 yards on average and is ranked ninth in driving distance.
The 21-year-old Lee is the reigning champion of E1 Charity Open. Two weeks ago, she fired a seven-under 65 on the final day of the SK Networks Seokyung Ladies Classic. She tied in second place, shy of first by just a single stroke.
Lee has a symmetrical golf swing. The swing plane she creates going back and coming forward matches each other, with one half being the mirror image of the other.
She places her hands nearly at the same height when she finishes her backswing and follow-through. That way she hits the ball full tilt without worrying about crooked shots. Also, that is what makes it possible for her to hit the ball way far, despite her not-so-tall height.
Copying her symmetrical swing, you will also do the same. What's better, copying her swing does not take too much time and energy.
All you have to do is just fold your right arm roughly waist-high going back and bend your left elbow roughly hip-high during the follow-through.
Or, swing your hands as far away from your body as possible going back and following through. You will slot your hands into the same level every time, creating the desirable swing you want.
Similarly, picture you're carrying a tray of dishes on your right palm at backswing top and on your left palm at finish.
Equally, just focus on your hand position at finish. Complete your swing by placing your hands where they were at the top of the backswing. If you swing your hands back low, just finish low. Raising your hands high, simply go for a high finish. Your goal is making your hands reach an identical spot at backswing top and at finish so you create a flawless circle.
Raising your hands excessively high at finish, you are liable to pushes to the right. Similarly, placing your hands excessively lower at finish than at backswing top, you will pull your shots to the left.
If you make your swing symmetrical, all moves you want will happen without your having to think about complicated swing mechanics.
First, you will get your club working on the proper plane, enjoying straight shots.
Also, you will make solid contact on the sweet spot, sending your ball far and straight.
Once you start hitting the sweet spot, it won't be a tall order to increase your swing speed. Of course, you will hit far to your maximum if you swing fastest or at full throttle. But this holds true only when you hit the ball solidly on the sweet spot.
Critically, mimicking Lee's symmetrical swing, you will properly shift your weight left without deliberate efforts as you come down. This allows you to unleash your power fully into the shot at a timely moment. This allows Lee to hit the ball even farther.
To throw a ball far, you move your weight onto your left foot first before you swing your right arm energetically. Or rather, you plant your left foot first before you throw the ball. You need to do the same to whack your golf ball far to your maximum.
To copy Lee's textbook-perfect golf swing, you need a good pre-swing preparation.
Lee takes a touch strong grip, which promotes straight shots or soft draws.
She tilts her spine forward toward the ball so her spine and club shaft creates a right angle. This allows her arms to hang down naturally from the shoulders so her hands rest under the chin.
Also, her left arm and club shaft form a nearly straight line, with the ball in line with her left ear. This means she hits the ball with an upward blow.
Lee takes a wide stance. This allows her to swing the club at full throttle without losing her balance. Failing to keep your balance during the swing, you will rarely get what you want from your swing.
More important, she sets up with her right foot a touch turned outwards away from the ball. Granted, she gets her left foot flared toward the target. That way she turns freely, going back and coming through the shot. Doing this right, you will add extra speed and distance to your shots without deliberate effort just like Lee does.
