Stop Topping and Take Better Divots; #1 Most Popular Golf Teacher on You Tube Shawn Clement

[Wheat2688]

i have to say that does seem like he has alot of lower body motion..more so than anyone else actually that i know of..idk he makes it work

[TheBamaMarine]

Shawn,

Ken here, from Connecticut. Thank you for the incredible lessons last year (late Summer 2010). I am applying what you taught me and getting better and purchased your DVD's which have been an incredible help when I need a refresher... Your Driver video is extremely helpful, however I have friends trying to change location behind the ball where I place the Driver head in the setup. Are you the only one who gets the proper Driver setup or what? Thanks - Ken

[ZeroSumJ1]

thank you so much! topping the ball/hitting thin/skulling/fat shots all those are things i'm really struggling with. this video is very helpful.

[leideng1568]

brilliant

[YaaashMichaelScott]

Dare we say...The Earnest Jones of our generation? Love the examples of setting up the body to let the club head swing. I've worked at some top 100 courses, played in some PGA events etc... I've watched and learned from the best but it always comes back to these essential elements - and not getting in ones own way. Great work eJones! Your the electronic/internet version of all essential teaching that has come before us.

[TakosGolf]

Hey Shawn, i really took this video to heart and have been using it to flawless effect in my swing, just after three days of being on the range, i went out to my local club and shot a 75, my personal best (usually shoot about 80). before this, i was always having trouble making sure i got just the right amount of turf. now it's a no brainer thanks alot Shawn. You helped me alot :)

[nickn051]

shawn you da mannnnnn!!!!!



[redmaniac456]

Hey shawn u r the man i have to say I have been watching all these vids here on you tube about the golf swing with many of them explaining thing's very half assed and hard to understand and just making thing's worse 4 me but then i stumbled arcoss your videos and u made every thing so clear.At first i was hiitting the ball so well but after about a week i dropped in consitantasy untill today when i watch this vid i kid u not i just went over to the pract hole at my club and hit 50 perfect thanks

[clemshaw]

@redmaniac456 Repetition, repetition, repetition! :) Thanks for the great comment! Shawn

[5150316]

Hey Shawn, if the bottom of the swing is the center of the sternum why do todays teachers tell us to put the ball slightly ahead of center with most irons? With an iron the ball is supposed to be struck first then the ground second so how can that occur if the ball is ahead of center? is it to compensate for some lateral shift? Id liek to hear your thoughts on this.

[dillingerexcape87]

shawn, have you read the golfing machine? if so how do you feel about homer kelley's teachings and do you apply any of them in your teaching?

[clemshaw]

@dillingerexcape87 Yes, I have a while ago; early 90's...Some of the stuff like point of contact and point of separation has been helpful in my videos for working the ball (Working the ball part 1, 2 and 3) but a lot of it happens properly when you have the right focus; like "Feel the swing plane; shawn clement" and "Perpetual motion drill; shawn clement" which is the drill that Brian Manzella used from me in his long 48 minute video...I have been using that one for over a decade...

[clemshaw]

@dillingerexcape87 Tough to talk about in 500 characters or less; but yes, I did read it in the early 90's and things like point of contact and point of separation came in handy in explaining what "through the ball" means to my students; but a lot of material is very much overkill such as hitters and swingers (You do both in a rhythmic swing when using your instincts, which is who should be in the driver's seat :)); You should pose the question on my forum and we can have a nice discussion!

[Miggaletoe]

First off huge fan of your site and videos so thanks a lot for all of the help you have improved my game a lot. But I have ran into a problem with your stacked setup and was wondering if you could help. The problem that I haven't been able to figure out is that my normal power fade with my driver has been replaced with a pull draw and much lower ball flight. Any ideas on why I might be doing this and how to correct it? If the ball flight was better I wouldn't mind a draw. Thanks

[1Balddon]

Shaun, I have watched the video and I still keep topping the ball especially with my woods - 3 and driver. Is there a drill I can do to keep down?

[bobcarter4343]

Shawn, for years I have paid pros to teach me to hit down on the ball... all they said was "hit down on it"... no technique at all. After watching this video, I went to the range and instantly began hitting down on the ball. Showed this to a guy yesterday with contact problems and he hit the first shot 125 perfectly and it went into the hole! Not a hole in one, as it was his 3rd shot on the hole, but one unbelievable shot. He to is now a believer. I am on my way to your vids now.

[onkai]

shawn, i have been followed your videos for almost two years. You don;t know how much i want to thank you, and i couldn;t believe your video lessons made me from a 22 handicappers, to now, i could shoot consistently low 80s. I think i should come and take lesson from you personally, so i can finally break 80. thank you so much, really, deep from my heart!

[clemshaw]

@onkai Thank you Onkai; I appreciate the kind words and you are welcome at the Learning Center anytime!

We have a huge community of golfers who love to learn! Shawn

[jonp13579]

hi shawn

erm do i cup my left wrist or do i keep it flat so if i was to put a playing card in my glove should it come out bent or perfect?? if you get me. also when i have had lessons i have been told with each longer iron i should move the ball forward in my stance so when i come to using my 3 and 4 iron it would be a long tilt to the left to make up for the ball being further forward in my stance

thanks

[clemshaw]

@jonp13579

Hey Jon; I have noticed a few questions from you and I recommend you present some of them on my Forum! You will enjoy the different answers that present the same material; it will help you as well when you hear what works for others; All the questions you have here are also answered systematically in my dvd series; you need to be able to ue the instincts that god gave you to figure out for each shot what the ball position will be; high fade and high draw have different set-ups!

[stevenash4life]

@clemshaw I will watch those thanks so much !!

[stevenash4life]

Hi Clem when should I clear my hips?

[clemshaw]

@stevenash4life I have a perfect video to answer this question!! Please see "#1 most popular teacher on you tube; ridiculously easy" part 1 and 2;

BTW, you will see that you should NEVER HAVE TO THINK ABOUT SHIFTING WEIGHT OR CLEARING HIPS WHEN YOUR FOCUS IS ON THE RIGHT THING; (hint: TARGET); Enjoy! Shawn

[steckleinjr]

like this vid. second only to stop crashing. shawn, i've never seen a braced tilt for chips/pitches (unless drastically uphill). accustomed to weight/tilt left with notch/cheek in front of ball. and i know stan utley warns of such tilt. just curious if you believe both set-ups to be effective?

[clemshaw]

@steckleinjr Thanks for the comment and kind words! This would be a great question for my forum; would be great if you could post it there! In the meantime, see the following: "Golf Pro lesson feel the short swing"; golf pro lesson chip yips and downhill chips" and "golf pro lesson uphill chips"; I also revamped my short game video at "golf pro lesson 2010 short game"; Shawn

[wardn53]

Shawn, I have a question. If I understand you right then the arms fall straight down and the only reason for rotating the body is so there is no crashing of upper arms into the body, correct? In my current swing I have relaxed arms but use my rotating body to swing the club (which I believe is the cause of my swing problems and slice).

NW.

[rhino2694]

Hi Shawn, i always seem to snap tees when hitting my driver. Could you please explain why this may be? I figure the main reason must be that i'm not catching the ball on the upswing?

Many thanks.

[pendo8881]

As I learn and understand more about the golf swing, I can appreciate your instruction videos more. This really is a complete lesson for any golfer esp; using gravity as your friend. Thanks so much for a 1st class presentation. Rod - - - - Australia.

[asmioa]

Ok, as of today, you Sir, are my golf Guru!!!

[ATCPee]

Great video Shawn! Cant wait to try these tips out at the range. Have spent the last hour watching your videos and i am learning alot. Thanks for posting them.

Peter from Ireland

[451mnu]

Shawn, In the one legged 5 iron video where you flew the green 195 yards away. With two legs for a standard 5 iron shot, is the club-head in the middle of your stance and ball in front of it? Is it the same for 3 and 4 irons? I assume you don't take divots with 3 & 4 for a standard shot?

I really like the way your left heel lifts on the BS allowing you a big deep turn. You really can back up your ideas with a great looking swing and I think that's rare in the teaching profession.

[clemshaw]

@451mnu Thanks very much and the ball position depends on the shot at hand; I can make a nice high push draw off the back foot with even a 3 iron; see "golf pro lesson tilted spiral part 3" and "golf pro lesson working the ball" part 1 and 2; I also have the working the ball with the driver I just uploaded; next is getting different heights so stay tuned! :) Otherwise, stock fade is just forward of center on all irons and slightly back of center for the draw on all irons; Shawn

[jmwatson64]

Shawn, I could not figure out why I kept pop flying my driver until I watched this video. I realize know what I was doing wrong. I also like how you keep the cheek behind the ball which keeps the swing inside. I bought your DVD and you are awesome. Have you considered entering a video in the golf channel new instructor search?

[clemshaw]

@jmwatson64 Thank you so much for the kind words and comment (And for buying my dvd :)); I will be entering for the contest yes; Shawn

[451mnu]

@clemshaw Shawn, I hope GC with it's super-cheesy corporate wanabee outlook will be receptive. Mel Brooks the film-maker - when he signed the contract for "Blazing Saddles" made sure he had a "final edit" clause. The studio & CEO tried very hard to take out many scenes but couldn't. Business managers with no artistic talent who like to stick their fingers in the pie were perceptively cut out and the world was a better place. I hope you get selected & negotiate well.

[clemshaw]

@451mnu Very important information 451mnu; I thank you very much for this great insight and terrific comment; will be uploading my candidacy soon; Shawn

[jennaethan]

Shawn, another great instructional video. I had a hard time understanding TGM concept of low point. This is so much simpler and makes much more sense. BTW what do you agree or disagree about TGM?

[clemshaw]

@jennaethan There are a lot of good nuggets in many of the things you see; the trick is to know enough about anatomy and dominant arm and neurology to see which are the good nuggets; my new dvd series really put the bad nuggets to bed and make the good nuggets easy to identify and relate to; if you don't have my new 5 disc series yet, take the time to order it; thanks for the kind words! Shawn

[squadsandhoves]

Hi Shawn, awesome instruction once again from IMO the best coach on YOUTUBE.

This has really helped my overall ball striking and gives me great confidence once over the ball.

Thanks again and kind regards

Kevin

[acenace24]

i have exactly 0 arms, help me learn to golf

[badabingg42]

I believe that this one video has really made it clear for me. I firmly think that each of us should not try to employ every tip when on the course or the range. We would tend to cloud our minds with too much info and frustration would prevail.

I have watched most of your vids and find them very informative and helpful. Sticking to one part at a time proves better than trying to incorporate every tip at once. Maybe I'm wrong. If so, please share your thoughts.

Keep up the great work.

[clemshaw]

@badabingg42 The very best thing to do is get my new 5 disc dvd series; not to try and sell here but the reason I did this was to put everything into priority in 5 minute segments so that no important aspects of the set up are missing; then you use you tube as a means to update yourself and experience other analogies to solidify the method; when you have the complete picture, you can determine what suits you best;

Shawn

[SuperPreciouslife]

Best instruction online by far ! Wish I could see you in person for lessons .

[synckd]

That exchange between you and theestrogenious said a LOT. Are you moving a little away from the standard turn (hands on hips, look in mirror, turn everything together, etc) and more towards the feeling of the clavical see-sawing around the sternum notch? I have to say I tried it and it feels much simpler for the body to get out of the way in the backswing, while allowing for better low-point control in the downswing.

[arjunchawdry]

Hey! Great tip. I was wondering should I keep the noch infront of the ball even with the long irons and woods or approach it with the noch in the level with the ball?

[clemshaw]

You will see in part 2, the notch is behind the ball with woods; with long irons, it depends if you want to hit them high or low; Shawn

[richl777]

hello shawn,

looking backat your previous vid --(Top 25 Golf Pro Lesson Great Driver Tip) and in conjunction with this clip--can you confirm your hand position at address when using the driver.

In your older clip ,I can see and understand about setting the driver in the centre of the stance --but where should the hands be?

On this clip they look slightly pressed forward.

is this the case ? or is it a 2D illusion?

cheers shawn

many thanks again

[clemshaw]

When you let the arm-club unit hang freely from the shoulders, you will see and feel that the hands will hang a bit forward; but nothing should be forced or manipulated into position.

Shawn

[TheDistilledMan]

My handicap is 5, but I found this very helpful. It really comes across that you've designed a methodology that most people could benefit from...the sign of a good teacher. For me, I took from it that I need to be more passive with the club head in the takeaway, rather than trying to manipulate it all the time. Moreover, I liked your idea of using the right leg just to brace into the left, I've been struggling with trying to "load" over a braced right leg and am just fighting my body.

[clemshaw]

Thank you for the great comment!

Shawn

[myscooter17]

Good idea about the paypal donation! i would definitely donate...

[stratigf]

Have you thought of setting up a donational paypal account to help with the production and time spent making these videos? I would be the first to donate. Thanks again.

[clemshaw]

Great Idea!

I will set it up! Shawn

[stratigf]

WOW best video lesson for me. I have been working on your lessons for about a year and it has taken me from shooting between 100-105 to consistently shooting in the mid 80's. I went to the driving range over the week-end and was working on this lesson what a difference in ball contact. I can't wait to play. The ball was rocketing off the club face with a 5 yard draw. Your approach in teaching definitely works. Thanks.

[MrPauly2010]

Hey Shawn, I have your DVD and love your teaching. Just wondering...what are your thoughts on core seperation at impact. I'm using this off seaon to get stronger and flexible. (been reading hank haney and Katherine Roberts new book) What do you feel about that "2 cheek postion" at impact? Something we should think about or does this happen all by itself? Thanks

[clemshaw]

Definitely something you don't want to think about!! Please see "golf pro lesson the insanity of golf"

Thanks for the comment and kind words! Shawn

[magicaljaso]

Hey Shawn. Great video again. Was wondering if you would consider doing a new video on the bio-mechanics of putting? seems like you have new info (between the sternum notch and the fantastic stuff you mentioned having learned from Geoff Mangum - btw do you still use the "to the foot-past the foot" method as opposed to his "if the tempo is right - your brain will auto put to correct distance": has revolutionised my understanding of putting!) and I think it would make for a fantastic new video.

[clemshaw]

Thanks for the comment! The feet being used as reference points is a stepping stone to the use of rhythm to auto lock one's self with the natural speed of the putt at hand; I will look into doing a video in the near future; I have a lot on the plate at the moment...:) Shawn

[timluk723]

This looks like stack and tilt

[myscooter17]

There are some important differences, check out Stacked and Complete Backswing for a good explanation.

[pawndominance1]

you say "brace against your left side" alot in your videos, but im still alittle confused by what exactly you mean...whenever i use my right leg as a "support post" as you say, i lose some of the flex in my riht knee, should that happen? I guess you could say that my problem is when you were talking about, that your not supposed to simply stand ontop of the ball the get your sternum notch past the ball...this is what ive been doing wrong...any thoughts...great vids, thanks

[synckd]

@pawndominance1 The right knee straightens in the backswing as a natural allowance for the turn of the hips, knees and ankles. But it does not lock out.

If you mean at address, think of the tilt to the right as also a pre-turn of the backswing pivot as well. You still should have normal flex in the right knee at address.

[clemshaw]

I will see how I can use Skully to demonstrate the braced tilt in one of my next videos;

Thanks for the comment! Shawn

[elanta3]

rockstar - thanks for the early Christmas present Shawn...

[tsmith109]

Shawn, just to be perfect with skully, its the sternal notch, located in the center of the sternum. Great tip, Happy Thanksgiving to you and your Family!!!

[clemshaw]

Why thank you! The sternal notch it shall be from now on! Although several of my doctor students have not said anything to me so I will have to have a little chat! :) Shawn

[caloyjp]

how can you make it look so easy?

do you have tips on how to hit drivers, woods and hybrids? i'm ok with irons but when i hit the drivers and woods, i can't hit it straight.

[clemshaw]

I have several on what you are looking for; start with "golf pro lesson great driver tip" then go to "golf pro lesson fairway woods and skipping technique", then you can go to "Golf Pro lesson hybrids" and finally to "Golf Pro lesson modern driver"

Enjoy! Shawn

[bluejfk]

Ever since I have switched to Shawn's swing, the problem I have with the sweeping clubs is that I tend to either slide or lose my tilt in my swing. It is totally mental and not a problem with Shawn's method. To quote Yoda, you must unlearn what you have learned.

I noticed that the further apart my feet are the more like I am to straiten the tilt. If you keep that angle the drives will go strait.

A hybrid should be hit like a 5 iron. You hit ball first

[bluejfk]

This video led to the worst thing that has ever happened to me on the golf course. I used to be a picker. Now I take the nice divot. Sure I am making great contact but now I have to clean my iron and wedge heads after every shot. Before as a picker all I would have to do is wipe the face with my thumb to remove the grass clippings. This is so annoying. If I wanted to do that much cleaning I would have applied for work at Merry Maids.

AYE-YA-YAYE!!!

[clemshaw]

The Golf Channel is full of gizmos to help you there!! LOL! The Froggy Towel and the Super brush; oh and if you order in the next 30 minutes, they will give you a spare nylon brush for FREE!

WHOA!

[bluejfk]

@clemshaw

Well since you created the mess on the face of my irons, I was hoping that you would volunteer as a forcaddie... ;)

Seriously, my contant has improved immensely, the only issue has been spinning 9 irons off the green into bunkers.

The big thing for me has been focusing on the falling of the arms unit. I do not even think of the club face. I just trust that my brain will predict the future and deliver the compressed feeling subconsciously.

[monkeyxj]

Great video!! now I hit the ball solidly. say bye to fat shot.

[bluejfk]

The way my swing is working right now I would love a golf manfacturer come out with a 10.5 degreee hybrid.

I have an issue where I lose my spine tilt with my sweeping clubs. When I keep my spine tilt then I cream the ball.

This is a great video.

[jetteelliot]

Hi Shawn,

Would it be the same with a 5 wood as a driver?

Thanks, Jette

[clemshaw]

The 5 wood would have the notch directly over the ball or to the back half of the ball; but with the brace against the left side; the driver would have the notch a couple of inches behind to more depending on the height of the tee; again, making sure the upper body is properly braced against the forward side; Thanks for the question! shawn

[theestrogenius]

Hey Shawn, it sounds like you're saying that the collar bone is more like a seesaw than a propeller (collar bone) on its axis (spine). If that's the case, then all these people using the word "coil" must be mistaken, right? Is there ever an appropriate golf context in which to use the word "coil"?

[clemshaw]

Exactly; how do you coil 5 degrees?? Johnny Miller would talk about his coil happening on the downswing; this is what we call the kinetic linking from the plant of the pressure into the front foot and going up all the way into the club head through to the target;

Thanks for the comment! shawn

[scend1]

If I move my notch ahead of the ball I hit low hooking pitches every time. I have a very week grip and play a slight fade, why does moving the notch ahead cause hook spin?

[clemshaw]

Make sure the head stays back behind the ball!! Feel the left cheek (for a right handed person) stay against the back of the ball on both backswing and downswing; if the head moves forward, then the axis of rotation is changed; see "Golf pro lesson proper spine tilt angle; Thanks for the question! Shawn

[perfettc]

Shawn,

Not to be a teachers pet, but this is amazing stuff. The fact that you're not charging for it is even more indicative of how great your uTube channel is. Hopefully you'll incorporate this into your next DVD based on the feedback you receive. I think you're coming really close to perfecting your teaching methoed. Hope you consider this constructive feedback. I think you are ready for The Golf Channel. Just make sure you have it taped from RH. Don't want to lose you to Orlando!

[clemshaw]

Thanks Claudio!  :)

[Frazer20]

ps. looks like skully is alive at 3.15 onwards! spooky

[Frazer20]

Yea nice video there Shawn, was directed here from another video where I was expressing my ability or lack of, to get into the right setup position, helps me further with the braced tilt setup.

[speedofsoundllc]

Another bang-up job, Shawn.  Thank you!

-Alan

[kmh196700]

There is not a more knowledgeable peron than Shawn conerning the golf swing. Thanks for the lessons over the past few years. Shawn ROCKS!

[mpb1472]

Excellent video lesson. That bit at the end about over the top and my pulls might be exactly what I have been doing lately. You are a great teacher.

[cockywatchman1976]

Another good lesson-thanks Shawn.

I musr admit-it does seem to help me having the ball a little further back when chipping. Maybe Im manipulating as you say-i dont know. Pelz's book suggests even having the ball BEHIND your back foot. I tend to have it level. It does seem to prevent me hitting those fat ones.

[ducatiwv]

Excellent Shawn, Can't wait to see you in a week....thanks

[chemicalpro]

I love it how you make anatomical references Shawn, makes it superbly easy to relate to. Bravo as always!

[FairwayJack]

You are the best !!

[pmaguiar]

If I were to recomend one golf instruction video to anyone... and ONE VIDEO ONLY!... this would be IT!!

Thank You Shawn, Brilliant, as always!

[TheHimher]

Thanks Shawn, for those videos they have helped a lot, i am from western australia, i have 95%

committed to the swing, look forward to more videos.

[wrfisherman]

Shawn, Just wanted to thank you so much. Today I shot a 82, 14 months ago you had about 72 lessons on you tube and I shot a 128. Thanks to all your lessons I have beat all the original guys that I started golfing with. They have all been golfing for years. You will never know how grateful I am to have the best golf instructor that I have ever had the privilege of knowing. Your unselfish dedication to the sport and your absolute excellence in teaching is truly appreciated by all.

[drummerkingmike]

Shawn - so good!

[johnnymac2201]

Nice video Shawn, gonna be lots of TGM'ers uspet to find out that low point isn't under the left shoulder.

[itubeutude]

5:00 I need saving there. Can you do a video on saving people on casting?

[flameboy63]

Shawn is a genius 5 stars

[aldojoel1981]

Hi Shawn, thanks for alla your vids, one question the key of to hit the ball and then the ground is the head behind de ball all the entire dwonswing? i always want you to know to see my swing

[bukemdano24]

Awesome as always...

[MicrowavedHamster]

Thanks Shawn! Watching right now, could you make a "in the bag video" or a video with recommendations on which clubs people should put in their bags?