Reaching for Tiger-like power? Don't over-extend.
Keep the left arm feeling loose and connected as you turn away from the ball.
By Jim McLean
Golf Digest Teaching Professional
Tiger Woods often talks about getting 'width' on the backswing. The proper extension of the left arm is a source of power because it helps create a wide arc to the swing.
While this can be great advice, the problem is, many players apply this advice incorrectly and extend themselves into trouble. The left arm goes wide, but the body center stays at home. This disconnect leads to poor arm location on the backswing, excessive tension in the left arm and limited body coil. People think they're doing something good when they have an over-extended, rigid left arm, but what they're doing is losing all naturalness in the swing.
Keep a feeling of softness in the left arm as you swing the club back. This feeling will help you hinge your wrists. The left arm is the radius of your swing. Your shoulders, arm and hands should coil in sync. Be careful not to let that left arm over-extend or work independently, and thus change the setup radius of your swing.
