The Golf Swing - My Seven Step Checklist - Step 3- The Waggle

By Mike D\'Auria

What is a Waggle? About thirty something years ago I may have asked that question myself. The Waggle is a pre-swing move that will help you to trigger the backswing and promote a relaxing swing tempo. The KEY to all phases or steps of the golf swing is to - \"Relax\" - I will keep emphasizing this point because it took me a long time to incorporate the idea into my own swing sequence. I am assuming that the majority of golfers are similar to myself in that aspect. It takes a while to get used to. It is a natural tendency to grip the club too tight and to try and muscle the ball down the fairway to achieve the maximum distance possible, just to out drive or to show your friends that you can hit the ball farther than they can. But in reality the opposite holds true ! Grip the club lighter and tension free and swing the same way and \"Voila\" you will increase your odds of achieving the results and the greater DISTANCE you desire tenfold. Sorry, another digression - Back to The Waggle.

Please note that \"The Waggle\" is by all means not a necessity to a good or correct golf swing. It is an important option that many golfers employ to help start or \"Trigger\" the backswing. It is a method to promote \"Relaxation\" ( very important ) and to initiate the \"Tempo\" that will be employed for the entire swing if done correctly. Another method of relaxation before you swing is to take a deep breath and exhale slowly to consciously let any tension GO AWAY or be released! Once you have released the tension and have successfully taken your Grip and performed your Set Up Routine as discussed in Step 1 and Step 2, ( Note: The Grip and Set Up should become second nature for you and a routine you should employ for every swing and golf hole that you play ) you are almost ready to go. Guess what the next step is? The Waggle, or any other method you would like to employ that works for you, whether it be a deep breath or clearing your mind of any interfering thoughts or absolutely nothing, etc..

We have been discussing the waggle for the past few minutes but in actuality - What is it? There are a number of different ways that the waggle can be performed and don\'t be afraid to invent a method that works for you. As noted earlier it is something that will promote relaxation and help you to initiate the proper golf swing. A technique I use that is best for ME is to actually rehearse the entire swing - I take my grip, set up to the ball and actually preview the swing path and moves that I will be performing during my swing. Many times I note that I have taken the club back on an improper swing path or maybe my wrists did not set the club properly and I can then correct the mistakes in my actual swing. Some others may just break the wrists off the ball, then return the club to the ball position or take a half or three quarter swing to check if they feel the tempo for the desired swing, etc. or maybe rehearse the entire swing as I do - (All Choices Optional ) Whatever your Waggle method may be, as long as it works for you, make it part of your swing routine. It may take some experimenting to see what is most comfortable and what works for you but it will come! Have patience and fun as you learn to play. Enjoy the journey! I know I did, still do to this day, and hopefully always will. Happy Golfing!

The Golf Swing And The Waggle News

THE FRONT ROW with Rod Harwood (Coeur d'Alene Press)

I took a spin out to Spirit Lake the other day to talk turkey with the Timberlake football staff. I always go up Highway 95 to Athol, then swing over.

Tway aims to earn exemption (The Villages Daily Sun)

LAKE BUENA VISTA — Searching for daylight in the twilight ... The driving range of the Palm Course at Walt Disney World wasn’t that crowded Monday morning.

A Real Eye-Opener (The Lompoc Record)

Golf is not an easy sport to play. It's tough, even for a seasoned player like Clancy McAuliff. A nine-handicap, McAuliff has a strong drive and is a sought-after partner in the many scramble tournaments held around the Central Coast.