Golf tip: Tube drill can help to get your swing into shape

Far too eager, slightly anxious, and with a hint of panic, are all well worn phrases that to me sum up their mindset as they start the downswing movement.

I often say to them: “The ball will still be there when you swing back down.”

They need to relax, take their time, and hang on to their angles for longer.

Take a look at the first picture, and I will explain.

You will clearly see that I am swinging a large cardboard tube - with a smaller noodle inside it.

The idea is to “retain the angles” well into the downswing, to keep the inner noodle inside the tube.

If the player is too casty, or hits from the top, the inner noodle will fly out far too early in the downswing movement.

My white gloved hand is approaching my right thigh. This is almost into the “delivery position” - yet the noodle has not fired out of the tube.

In old money this used to be termed a “late hit”.

Now have a look at the second picture.

This time the noodle has extended and is literally about to fire out of the tube.

Note how my arms are both straight, with my head held still and slightly behind the impact point.

This is a good sign that my “timing” was spot on, as low point would have been three to four inches beyond the imaginary ball.

Try out this simple drill in your back garden.

Find a tube that is not too large then stick a smaller pipe noodle inside it.

Make a few swings and you will soon see if you are hanging onto your angles correctly.

If you tend to strike the ground before the ball, then this drill will work wonders for you. Good luck trying it.

Finally, it was great to see a British Winner of the recent Masters.

Danny Willett had a superb last round and thoroughly deserved to claim the green jacket.

A good omen for European golf, especially in a Ryder Cup year.

NEXT WEEK: Left hip motion.