The Washington herald., 1921-11-13
Handling the Wood.

Handling the Wood.
There are certain general princi.
pies, Of course, that govern the play
OF both wood and iron. but in many
important ways they call for Diff
ferent treatment. For no man can
play both with the same stroke
and not find serious trouble.
In taking up the use or play of
driver or brassie the first thing to
remember is to stand a trifle furth-
er away from the ball and to be
prepared for looser. freer stroke.
The body should be slightly
more relaxed. for we are coming
now to a swing that doesn't go in
for quite as much firmness as iron
play calls for.
There should be more freedom in
the play of the left arm, and the
right elbow isn't so compactly held
against the body.
The left arm, as always, must
be kept straight, but not stiff
There is big difference here and
one that must be watched. A stiff,
straight left arm is no advantage
at all. There can be just a slight
natural bend at the left elbow. hut
1t must not be too much Of a benz
merely a slight give to prevent
stiffness.
Important Features.
The grip should be about the
same as for iron play, with the left
hand slightly over
The two VS. formed by the thumb
and forefinger Of each hand sbouId
be pointing at the right shoulder
II you keep this in mind YOU can
always judge your grip correctly.
The left shoulder and the left
knee start together. As the lef,
shoulder comes around, be sure
that the left knee pivots az the
same time. There is more turn
of the body in this stroke. with an
easier feeling of body and arms
As the left knee pivots I'm. with
the kneecap pointing at the bali.
the left heel will come up at leas,
an inch, with the ball of the left
l. ~r3pped against the turf.
The weight at the top OF the
swing should be about evenly bal
anced upon both feet.
In iron-club play you have n
sense of steering the ball. The
wood calls for less of this. In
swinging through don't be in too
big a hurry to apply the blow. II
possible imagine that You are &c
deliver tn III force of your swing
at some object five or six inches
on beyond the ball and you will
then very likely put in the snap at
the right time.
The Wrist Snap.
Many golfers are taught TO put
the snap in at the top of the swing,
to start the down swing with
movement of the wrists.
believe this is all wrong. You
can only put the snap in once. and
IL you use il at the top of the swing
you will have nothing left when IL
comes to hitting the ball.
The hands and arms start down
together with the Wrists unbroken.
They should start down evenly and
steadily, without any wild rush.
picking mp speed along the way
until at the right moment the blow
ia mate snd the club head whipped
into the ball.
As the club head crashes In the
arms go out after the ball. There
should be no stopping Of the club
after the ball has been hit The
follow through Is net completed
until both arms are straight out In
the direction of the hole.
The Right Club.
In selecting a driver 1t is better
to get one with a slight loft. i
don't believe in having one with
too straight a face. In fact Il
isn't q bad idea to use a brassie
slightly. more lofted for the fair
way.
For the average man ] advise a
driver or brassie around forty-two
inches inslength. with a firm shaft