[Choi Myung-ho's Quick Lesson] 6. Impact Timing "Hit the Center of the Head"

The Secret to the Thrilling Touch of 'Ojalgong': "The Club Head Must Always Approach at the Exact Angle"

The left side is too far from the ball, and the right side is relatively close (X).

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] "Hit the center of the head."

This week's keyword is 'Impact Timing.' It is no exaggeration to say that it is the most important part of a golf swing. The key lies in making contact with the ball at the center of the clubhead. The feeling varies depending on the angle at which you strike. Even amateur golfers experience a thrilling 'sweet spot' sensation when they hit well. To achieve this, the clubhead must always approach the ball along an accurate path.

First, it is important to keep your body stable at impact. This is to pour all the energy accumulated during the backswing into the ball. A common mistake among amateur golfers is that the swing path changes during the transition from backswing to downswing and impact. If the angle is too steep or too shallow, the angle at which the clubhead reaches the ball varies with each shot. This means you cannot strike the ball at the center of the head.

Distance from the ball is also a factor to check. If you hit the inside or outside of the head, variables such as slices and hooks occur in the ball’s flight. Naturally, this reduces driving distance. Take a look at Korean Ladies Professional Golf Association (KLPGA) Tour star rookie Oh Kyung-eun (20, PNS) in . The left side is too far, and the right side is relatively close. Remember that the gap between the ball and the club in the setup affects how freely you can swing the club.

If the lower body shakes and the height changes, topping and fat shots become even more fatal. Iron shots especially tend to hit behind the ball. Practice down-blow shots aiming at the exact spot where the ball is placed (the lowest point of the swing arc). Impact, in other words, is completed when preceding motions such as takeaway, backswing, and downswing flow smoothly. Think of the 'Ojal-gong (the best shot of the day).' It means everything was perfect.

KLPGA Tour's top rookie Oh Kyung-eun is practicing impact timing using an alignment stick (O).

Here is an effective practice method. . Place an alignment stick in front of your stance and stand narrower than usual. This makes it easier to predict the body's posture and the clubhead’s movement. From this position, lightly hit the ball with a 3/4 swing. By reducing the size of your stance and shot in advance, you will be able to swing the club comfortably. After repeating 5 to 10 shots, take 3 to 5 full swings to feel the impact timing with your body.

▲ Instructor = Pro Choi Myung-ho

▲ Demonstration = Pro Oh Kyung-eun

▲ Filming location = Yangyang Seolhaewon Golden Beach

▲ Organized by = Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter golfkim@asiae.co.kr

▲ Photo = Reporter Yoon Dong-joo doso7@asiae.co.kr

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.