First Aid Consistency Through Swing Arc Training aids are invaluable tools that help you reach your goal Dr. Gary Wiren, PGA Master Instructor Ask any golfer, "In which part of your game would you most like to see improvement?" and virtually all of them would put consistency at the top of the list. Consistency is almost the "Holy Grail" for golfers, because it is one of the most elusive elements of the game. Golf, probably more than any other sport, is notorious for streaks of play where almost nothing goes wrong, and, conversely, where virtually nothing goes right. Even tour professionals at the highest level are not immune to these streaks. This slippery element of consistency is one of the reasons our game is so addictive, while, at the same time, is so frustrating. How, we ask, can the same person hit a 250 yard drive down the middle on one hole, and then proceed to duck hook one out of bounds on the next? While the extreme difficulty and precision of the game (think of the vast number of variables involved in the task of hitting a perfect shot) may make the goal of true consistency only an illusion, there are many things we can do in our swings that can help us get closer to that "Holy Grail." One of the major factors promoting repetitive solid contact is a consistent width of swing arc. If arc width is measured as a radius of the swing "circle", starting from swing center and ending at the club head, how consistent would contact be if this arc is constantly changing during the swing? Each change in arc width would make an already complex movement even more difficult to repeat. On the golf course, we often hear well-ntentioned advice aimed at swing arc. After watching a series of topped shots, a player might be advised to "keep your left arm straight." While this technique for maintaining a consistent swing arc has been passed down for generations of golfers (and teachers), it very often leads to excessive tension in the swing, which contributes to so many other destructive elements (most notably the loss of that second most desired goal: distance) that the trade-off is not worth it. Many teachers actually use reduced tension in the swing as a method of naturally allowing the swing arc to maintain its width, extending through impact by the pull of centrifugal force. One of the best methods for teaching a wider, more consistent arc is the use of training aids. Three devices which are very effective in this area are the Right Angle or Right Link, the Swing Extender, and the Tac-Tic Elbow.     The Right Angle and Right Link The Right Angle and Right Link are tools which are put on the right arm (for right-handed golfers), and do not allow that arm to bend more than 90 degrees. By limiting the bend of the trailing arm in the swing, the lead arm must stay relatively extended in order to maintain a grip on the club, thus encouraging a wider arc, a more consistent radius, and a more rotational, big muscle swing. Swing Extender The Swing Extender accomplishes essentially the same width and maintenance of arc as the Right Angle, by restricting the bend in the trailing arm, but it does it in a slightly different, simpler way. This small triangular device fits in the crook of the trailing arm, and "blocks" the arm from over-bending. While the Swing Extender does not include some of the other features of the Right Angle, it is quick to install, easy to use, and very useful in teaching. Tac-Tic Elbow The Tac-Tic Elbow approaches the problem of swing arc from a different direction. It is wrapped around the lead arm (the left arm for right- handed golfers), and encourages extension of the arc by preventing that arm from breaking down. While this may sound like the old "straight left arm" approach, the Tac-Tic Elbow does not force the arm to be rigid, but only prevents excessive bending. When the arm breaks down, the Tac-Tic makes a very audible click. It can also be adjusted to allow for more or less bend. While our dream of unblemished consistency in golf may be only a dream, building a wider, more repeatable swing arc can go a long way towards helping those "good streaks" to last longer. Proper practice with the right training aids can be extremely helpful in accomplishing that goal. Gary Wiren is a PGA Master Instructor and a Ph.D. He operates "Golf Around the World" in Lake Park, Florida. The company conducts golf seminars, schools and personal visits, and sells golf teaching aids, books and videotapes. Visit his website at www.golfaroundtheworld.com or for more information, call 561-848-8896 or 800-824-4279.