Expert: Chip Aki - 4/8/2007

Question
i recently overhauled my swing to go from a muscled arm swing to a free armswing, i have lost 3 or 4mph in the process. every time i move back on the approach or just try and increase my swing and footwork tempo i end up muscling the swing. do you have any advice on how i can increase the tempo of my swing without losing my free armswing. i've also developed the nasty habit of coming around my ball early, i've tried leading with my ring finger and keeping my forearm facing foreward but i still come around it early. anything you can say to help would be much appreciated.

Answer
If you are wanting to come around the ball early, it leads me to believe that you are pulling down through the armswing.  This may be caused by not having your swing and feet moving together.  Make sure that you are getting the ball into the swing early enough to match up with the pace of your feet.  You may also be stopping the ball at the top of the backwing which will make you pull down and turn early.  Have someone watch you and see if your feet are getting to the foul line before the ball.  Also have them look at the swing and make sure it is not stalling it at the top.

Good luck,
Chip