Square to Square Swing - Sam Goulden Golf

[TheNYgolfer]

Sam.....if you drop a plumbbob down from your left shoulder socket to the ground, where the plumbbob touches the ground is the lowest point in a dynamic golf swing. So it doesn't matter where you place the ball (4 inches behind it or 2 inches etc) or how far you spread your feet, the low point will be abeam your left shoulder socket. Ball placement should be relative to the left shoulder socket NOT relative to the feet.

[TheNYgolfer]

Dick Altman's book "The square to square golf swing" from the 1970's describes this method nicely. Especially helpful is his explanation of having a "feeling" of "curling" the left wrist slightly UNDER during the takeaway.It's a swing that feels awkward at first but it starts feeling better and better once you start bombing those balls. It has ZERO compensations on the downswing , the accumulator release AUTOMATICALLY which is why this swing is so repeatable.

[TheNYgolfer]

It is IMPOSSIBLE to remain square all the way to the top but it "feels" like the clubface is square.Hardy got that right but his explanation of the forearm rotating after the midway point in the backswing makes it sound like this is a "conscious" effort.It absolutely is not.That forearm rotation occurs automatically due to body rotation. One last critical point.The "hands ahead" at impact CAN NOT be understated. It is absolutely VITAL.One should actually strive to exaggerate that through impact

[TheRonniekid22]

Sam I started hitting the ball like this and it is amazing how straight I'm hitting my irons! I feel like I lost alittle distance . I have been setting up with the ball forward in my stance . Should I line up more in the middle ?

[Tubularvillous]

Great instruction. It worked for me. I did a little search and foud the much comdemned Jim Flick square swing. What is the difference between yours and his? Thanks. Kevin

[mollydooka17]

Sam may be right. Other theorists think differently (it may not be a question of "right or wrong", just which works best for you), check out Kip's Golf Myths.

[secretogolf]

Love the swing as it validated alot of what I believe I do when I am striking well.I noticed you are alot more uright in your actual swing than your rehersal or when you discuss the swing.In the rehersal you seem to bisect the right bicep.Yet when you strke the ball you are bringing the shaft between the shoulder and neck.Please clarify if I miss understood something.

Thanks

[samgouldengolf]

@secretogolf I am always a bit upright. I worked with Jim Hardy back in 2006 and I struggled for years to swing on a flatter plane. In the rehearsal I move mainly with my core but in my real swing I tend to lift a bit with my arms. I have a feeling that it is just something to do with my particular body type. The main key is to maintain a square face at all times. If the arms float a bit up it's not going to kill you, as long as they stay inside coming to impact.

[noudo25]

Sam..have you noticed an increase in your ball spin on the greens? Are you able to stop the ball better?

[samgouldengolf]

@noudo25 I am spinning it more than ever.  I have changed to a lower spinning ball and it's excellent. The driver is going straighter (some from the swing and some from the lower spin rate) and the irons still spin a bunch.

[noudo25]

I remember when me and you would talk about this concept....in it's infancy. So glad to see how much progress this concept has made.

[thepaulprice]

Sam is an extremely insightful and soon to be golf guru. For those that have been doing a traditional or even "modern" swing, Sam's method will be a bit difficult. Mainly because you are really forced to use your core so it will be hard to repeat the swing until that gets stronger.

It took me about 3 weeks of 3 times per week to really get it. Really keeps things much straighter and keeps your spraying left and right to a much tighter scope.

[charmon8]

It was great meeting you with Paul the other day. I actually came home after you mentioned to watch the you tube for your square to square principles. Believe it or not, I instituted it one day after watching it and instantly saw improvement in my ball striking, distance, and direction. Great tips.

[samgouldengolf]

@charmon8 Excellent! It really is pretty simple.. not necessarily easy but simple. Keep at it. If you need more help just email or call me. I'd be glad to help you one on one.

[mpb1472]

Very good explanation and demonstration. I am going to give it a go and see how it goes.

[greasegun1313]

Great video Sam.