This Podcast, titled “The Upper Core Golfer,” presents research on nine different core regions of the body and their influence on the golf swing. It argues that a golfer’s stance width can be adjusted based on these regions to optimize power and consistency. The text focuses specifically on the "Upper Core Golfer" (Regions 7, 8, 9), describing their unique grip, setup, backswing, and downswing characteristics, including weight distribution and body angles, and referencing well-known golfers who represent this type. According to the sources, the "Upper Core Golf Swing" is primarily defined by the body region used and its specific movement patterns.

Regarding the Core Regions:

• The upper core region includes the area from the start of the sternum to the neck.

• Golfers in this category are referred to as "hand/arm golfers," indicating that the swing is heavily driven by hand and arm movements.

Concerning the Use of This Region and Resulting Swing Characteristics:

• Upper Core golfers use the narrowest stance of all core types.

• They exhibit the least shaft lean at address, with the shaft pointing nearly toward the inside of the left hip. This minimal shaft lean results from a weak grip.

• Their grip is described as “long thumbs,” where the shaft rests on the first knuckle of the middle finger next to the palm in both hands. This is considered a weak grip position.

• In the setup, the right arm rests along the side of the rib cage, and the right elbow is positioned slightly outside the right hip.

• When measuring body angles, there is a much greater spine angle compared to the femur angle. At address, the femur angle is at least 159 degrees.

Backswing:

• The backswing is initiated by simultaneous rotation of the hips and shoulders. At the top of the backswing, Upper Core golfers show the greatest hip rotation and the least separation between the upper and lower body. The shoulder plane is vertical. The center of mass shifts to the left side. The right elbow flares outward at the top of the backswing, a position often referred to as the “flying elbow.”

Downswing:

• In the downswing, Upper Core golfers are already positioned on their left side and begin the motion with shoulder and hip rotation. The right elbow remains outside the right hip throughout.

• At impact, the hips rotate only slightly, as the player straightens the body and shifts weight onto the balls of the feet. The arms and hands lead the motion and swing quickly to the left, with the club pointing toward the upper torso. Maintaining body angles at impact can lead to a loss of power.

Balance and Ground Forces:

• Balance at address is distributed over the balls of the feet. Upper Core players utilize rotational and vertical ground forces. Their motion contains minimal linear or horizontal force. Tension on the left side of the body is generated by the deep rotation of the right hip and the outward-facing right elbow at the top of the backswing.

• A key sensation for Upper Core golfers is "covering the ball" or the "release" of the arms and hands.

In summary, the Upper Core Golf Swing is characterized by dominant use of the upper body (hands, arms, upper chest), a narrow stance, weak grip, and specific hip and shoulder rotation patterns. These golfers rely heavily on the power generated from rotational and vertical ground forces and tend to straighten up at impact.

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