While watching the British Open I was delighted to hear the commentators frequently mention balance. The commentators said Paul Casey had his golf coach with him and the “only thing” they worked on at the Open was his balance and not his swing mechanics. Unfortunately for Paul, he had a bad round on Sunday, but he is still one of the best players in the world.
I teach my clients several golf fitness balance drills and we practice them during every training session. The overachievers practice them daily and experience the best results.
How is your balance? Most amateurs I assess claim to have good balance, but fail simple tests. Try the following simple balance test to assess yourself:
Start in driver posture with your club hovering above the ground, bring both feet together and lift your dominant foot (right foot for right-handers) off the ground. Then lift your down leg heel off the ground while maintaining golf posture with your driver hovering. Hold your heel off the ground for a 20-second count and then try your other foot. If you cannot complete this test without losing your balance, practice this drill regularly to improve your balance.
Having great balance on uneven lies, side hills, downhill, funky lies (one foot in a bunker) and even the perfect lie is critical. It’s virtually impossible to make consistent center of the club face contact without having great balance.