An SI.com and CNN Network Site
An SI.com and CNN Network Site. Visit SI.com An SI.com and CNN Network Site. Visit CNN.com Subscribe to Sports Illustrated Golf Plus Subscribe to Golf Magazine
Skip to main content
SI GOLFNation

Join the Nation!

Keep up with your scores, stats and golf buddies with our new game-tracking and social-networking tool.

Perfect Your Takeaway

Use this sharper image to fix an improper takeaway


Published: April 01, 2005

  • Share
  • E-mail
  • Print
  • Sign up for free newsletter
A good takeaway sets the pace for a good swing. Unfortunately, many amateurs get off to a shaky start: They lift the club and roll their hands away from their body, which draws the clubhead inside and opens the face. As a result, they make erratic contact.

To guard against such takeaway faults, pretend someone is holding a Samurai sword just above your wrists at address (below). You'll be forced to keep your hands low -- under the sword -- which keeps the clubhead in front of your hands, preventing a quick move to the inside.

Lift up too soon, and you cut yourself. Miss the sword, and you're on your way to solid ball-striking.