There have been many discussions over the years on how the downswing is started.

Is it started with the hands or a rotation of the hips?

Is there a lateral movement in the downswing?

I recently watched a Shell's Wonderful World tape of a match between the late greats Ben Hogan and Sam Snead. At the end of the match both players gave a tip.

Ben Hogan said that a clearing of the hips started the downswing, and Sam Snead stated he felt that the hands started the downswing.

Both are probably correct, as your hands and hips have to move together in a blended action.

In studying the golf swings of a lot of very good players for many years, I believe there is a race between your hands and the clubhead. For best results, it should be a dead heat at impact with your hands and the clubhead.

I believe in order to get the maximum speed at impact with your hands and clubhead, your hips must rotate out of the way first.

I also believe there is a slight lateral movement as you rotate your hips through impact. The lateral movement is more apparent in taller golfers.

From pitch shots to full shots, make sure your hands and the clubhead are in a dead heat at impact!