When it comes to improving your golf game, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with endless swing tips and technical advice. But sometimes, the key isn’t doing more — it’s becoming more aware of how your body moves.
Coaches Joey D and Josh McCumber recently shared five simple but powerful awareness checkpoints that every golfer should consider before stepping onto the course. These aren’t mechanical “fixes” — they’re about tuning into your balance, posture, and movement patterns so you can unlock a smoother, more athletic swing.
Before you even start your swing, awareness begins at address. Pull your toes up and down to check whether your weight is too far on your toes or too far back in your heels. The best players in the world constantly do small balance checks like this. Proper balance sets the stage for a stable, consistent swing.
Standing too tall or crouching too low can ruin your swing before it starts. A solid hip hinge creates the correct spine angle, allowing you to make a better turn and stay athletic throughout the swing. Think of it as the foundation for every move that follows.
Many golfers think they’re turning their back to the target, but instead, they’re just lifting their arms. A true takeaway requires turning your torso, not just your arms. Developing mobility in your backswing and follow-through helps create a powerful, connected move.
Tour professionals excel at disassociation — letting the belt buckle lead while the arms stay back. This separation creates lag, improves sequencing, and generates effortless power. Practicing awareness of this move will help you maximize distance and control.
The swing doesn’t end with the turn — it ends with the release. If your trail foot stays flat, you’ll limit your power and rotation. Instead, let the toe and heel release dynamically toward the target line. This athletic move keeps your body flowing and your swing free.
These five awareness tips aren’t about complicating your swing — they’re about simplifying it. Focus on your balance, hinge, turn, separation, and release, and you’ll move more like the pros. That leads to better sequencing, more consistent contact, and more enjoyable rounds of golf.
So the next time you head to the course, don’t overload your brain with a dozen fixes. Instead, just be more aware — and let your body do what it’s designed to do.
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