George Knudson learned from Ben Hogan
The Knudson Golf School
Where You Learn, You Practice, and You Play
The Natural Golf Swing theory is our basis for this on line guide. We combine this with In-Person golf simulator classes at the Clubhouse Indoor Golf
and outside at
Flemingdon Golf Park
David shows you how to learn, practice & play.
then You Grow Your Natural Golf Life
At Knudson Golf the first goal is to have every client find and develop their own swing based on varying abilities. We spend time enhancing your knowledge and swing based on fundamental learning skills like George developed in practice and he also gleaned from watching his mentor Ben Hogan. This leads you to create the golf swing and game that already exists within your natural abilities. Once you are comfortable playing it is time to appreciate and enjoy the health and wellness golf offers through your Natural Golf Life
Many benefits of physical and mental exercise
Physical: Walking and swinging for practice and play
Mental: Mindfulness through presence of focus & freedom
“The Next Shot is Everything” - present moment
Preparation - Arrive prepare yourself and equipment
Etiquette - Practice Awareness, manners, respect
Focus - Concentration, assessment, execute next shot
Balance - This applies to everything in your golf game
After Play: Assess and plan your next golf experience
Golf can breathe new life into your very being so we give instruction on this too, Anyone who has taken our natural golf swing instruction will be given a link to our ongoing Guide and Instruction reminders. Next our Health and Wellness training will feature: Natural Swing Fundamentals, Retaining Youthful Energy, An Attitude of Gratitude, Golf Health and Wellness with Mindfullness and much more.
At Knudson Golf our mission is to empower golfers worldwide through knowledge of the game and play to maximize their health and well being. It is our passion to impart a greater understanding of the various health aspects of golf so that our students can gain through the advancement of their own personal habits and abilities.
Golf - “ A metaphor for life “ - Paul Knudson -
We place emphasis on how the classic golf swing feels, while using modern technology, bringing together timeless golf knowledge to all generations. The writings from this great champion of the past, George Knudson and his Natural Golf Swing techniques with his relaxation methodology. This serves as our fundamental base now updated with more current techniques of teaching mixed with health and wellness instruction too. Golf becomes a modality for exercise that strengthens your physical and mental well being. This leads to your longevity and higher quality of life.
Knudson Golf School combines on-line learning here with the technology of virtual video and golf simulation producing a truly prodigious learning environment for all any place anytime. We provide our clients golf knowledge and instruction with simulation and real practice to grasp a greater understanding of playing golf well and enjoyably.
We will show you what the greatest ball strikers of yesterday have shared in their writings through the lens of George, a member of Canadian golf royalty and Lorne Rubenstein, a Hall of Fame sportswriter and the co-author with George. Knudson Golf now adds 40+ years of instruction experience through George’s son Paul, he has witnessed the game from juniors to adult beginners to the elite players. These insights now shape the Knudson Golf teaching philosophy.
Our teachers have played and taught golf for many years and will relate how your life can be positively impacted through the mindfulness and exercise of your golf life. This then serves you as a powerful modality to your health which offers a much higher return on your investment of time and money much more than just a number on a scorecard.
Please enjoy the following summary of the Natural Golf Swing
Table of Contents
Theory Of Your Natural Golf Swing
Your natural golf swing refers to the way you naturally swing the golf club based on your body's anatomy, strength, flexibility, and movement patterns. It is unique to each individual and can be influenced by factors such as body sizes and mechanics, muscle deveiopment, and previous golf experience.
Finding and developing your natural golf swing is important as it can help improve your consistency and performance on the golf course. It also promotes conservation of energy which can be important over 18 holes etc. Here are some steps to help you discover and optimize your natural golf swing:
Posture and Alignment: Start by setting up with proper posture and alignment. Stand tall with a slight knee flex, shoulders relaxed, and spine forward bend that produces optimum impact. Align your feet, hips, and shoulders parallel to the target line. Note this is not directly attached to results because you may choose the wrong club or get a bad bounce or it gets caught up in the wind. Therefore this represents “concerned indifference”
This allows you to find your natural swing based entirely on the strike of the ball. Once you can consistently strike the ball in the manor desired you must learn to manage your game from there.
Grip: Gripping the club correctly is essential to a good swing. Experiment with different grip styles (interlocking, overlapping, baseball) and find the one that feels most comfortable and provides stability and control.
Setup Routine: Develop a consistent routine that includes pre-shot rituals, including visualization, breathing, and focus. Having a routine helps set your mind and body for an optimal swing. Use your routine as the platform to improvement. When you hit a shot that was in balance and the impact was pure evaluate your thought process and physical setup and insure it is in your future routines.
Tempo and Timing: Find a tempo and rhythm that feels natural to you. Experiment with different swing speeds and determine the pace that allows you to maintain control and balance throughout the swing. Acceleration in the downswing setup by a methodical backswing to a place to initiate the downswing and finish.
Body Mechanics: Pay attention to your body mechanics during the swing. Take note of any limitations or imbalances that may affect your swing and work on improving them through exercises or professional guidance. This can be a springboard to using golf to improved your physical fitness in essence a mission to motivate you!
Practice and Feedback: Regular practice is crucial to honing and refining your natural golf swing. Incorporate drills and exercises that address specific aspects of your swing and seek feedback from a golf instructor or trainer. Regular reoccurring practice and play are a must to better golf, do not expect to pick up a club after a year and be where you were. NOT HAPPENING
Remember, while finding your natural golf swing is important, it doesn't mean you should neglect golf instruction or guidance. Working with a golf professional can help identify any swing flaws or inefficiencies and provide you with guidance on how to improve and optimize your swing based on your natural tendencies. Improved golf is not just a better swing it is better knowledge, fitness and many factors that a mindful instructor should show you. If not - BYE BYE.
A Notion to A Motion to A Target
You have a target and you have a motion. The fun part and the challenge of golf is it is a full body motion that starts in your head not as a reaction to your competitor or a team mate. Then it gets better being a start to a finish with only balance in between.
Don’t get in your own way with doubt and unnecessary stress.
“You do not golf to relax you relax to play golf.”
Accept the passive nature of golf therefore unlike most sports less is better, a slower back swing and not a 100 % forward swing but 70-80%. forward swing to allow your arms to work in concert with your body. Results will start to take a back seat to your focus on your balance and how each swing measured up. You will be concerned with results but indifferent also because it is always on to that next shot and a new challenge. However enjoy the walk to that next shot the grass, trees or nature if it happens by. You connect to the big picture of your reason for playing golf between every shot verses the micro picture of a shot result or the shot ahead. You assess upon arrival to your ball not before. Do not bog yourself down on the course with swing parts - that is what the range is for.
“ No paralysis by analysis “
Pregame Balance - arrival time enough for preparation. wear comfortable clothing, have your clubs, tees, balls etc. Warmup: stretching, putting to driver on the range. Course knowledge. Physical balance is not just the finish but all through your swing. The Setup 50/50 to the Backswing 75/25 to a Finish 0/100.
Our course will cover all basic body fundamentals never at the cost of balance. Balance is your Golf Life scorecard.
Balance is Everything
What is the marvel of a world class dancer ? Every move is in balance, effortless in appearance and graceful from start to finish. This is analogous to your natural swing with the combination of your physical and mental abilities with your emotions and equipment all of which is uniquely yours. The golfer who plays with natural golf swing theory is never anxious using balance as the assessment tool of every swing. Knowing these factors allow for knowledge of the misplay and on to the next shot with confidence not doubt. This is easily said but requires practice as much as figuring something out on the range. Pregame balance is important too as it impacts everything to come. Nothing is done in your golf life at the price of balance. We do not say alot about balance here because everyone’s is unique to themselves and we will reference it in every section of our Natural Golf Life section. You have a target and you have a motion. The great exercise is that it is a 99% full body motion. The big toe on your forward foot is the only part of you that does not move during the swing. Knowing this gives you a goal to max power but with balance. Wherever you lose balance indicates a fault in your swing. Accept the balanced nature of golf therefore unlike most sports less is often better. A slow back swing to set the club and not a 100 % forward swing - keep to a 70-80% downswing to allow your arms to work in concert with your core. Your core is the handle of the whipping action in your swing which is the forward acceleration of your arms then wrists then hands and finally the shaft and ultimately the club face. Physically you can move your extremities faster so you must gear them down while gearing up your core to find your. BALANCE !
Your Start & Preshot Routine
Variables : Your height, weight, torso, arms, clubs, etc etc all vary per individual. It only makes sense you have to find yours then repeat the good setups via your routine both physical and mental, your preshot ie waggle etc. All to encourage the start of your balanced natural swing!
The golf swing setup position refers to the initial stance and posture a golfer assumes before starting their swing. It is important to have a proper setup position as it can greatly impact the quality and consistency of your swing. Here are the key components of a good golf swing setup:
Alignment: Start by positioning your body parallel to the target line. Align your feet, knees, hips, and shoulders so they are pointing towards the intended target. If the best pros on the planet still use alignment aids then so should you.
Posture: Stand tall with a slight flex in your knees. Keep your back straight and maintain a forward bend which you maintain throughout the swing. It only stands to reason that if you want to return the club head to where it started then maintaining knee flex and forward bend is critical. Avoid over slouching or excessively arching your back to prevent injury.
Grip: Hold the club with a grip that feels comfortable and secure. Options include the overlapping grip, interlocking grip, or baseball grip. Ensure the club is held primarily in the fingers rather than the palms. Thumbs on top hands opposing each other to keep a balanced pressure on the club. But not too much pressure. A strangling grip represents making something happen. We want to let the swing happen!
Ball Position: Position the ball appropriately for the club you are using. They are all different lengths and lofts typically, for a standard iron shot, the ball should be between your feet from center to the back foot. Move the ball forward of center for hybrids through the Driver and it is the farthest up in the stance. Adjust for different club lengths per the distance the ball is from you or the shot type may change this also. ie back in the stance for a lower trajectory.
Weight Distribution: Distribute your weight evenly between both feet for better starting balance and control of weight transition throughout the swing. 50-50 to 75-25 to 0-100
Visualization: Before starting your swing, take a moment to visualize the desired shot trajectory and target. This mental preparation can help focus your mind and enhance your overall swing performance.
Remember to practice your setup position regularly to ingrain good habits. Working with a golf instructor or watching instructional videos can also provide valuable guidance on achieving a proper setup for your swing.
Direction and Distance is really all that matters for every shot you will ever make in golf. Therefore you have to evaluate the distance choose your club now your intermediate target for direction. No one can see the flag as they look over their ball therefore pick something a foot or two in front of your ball and in line with your target(may not always be the flag) now set your club in line with your intermediate target. Next set your stance and ball position and execute your swing without any doubts. It’s time to react only to the vision of your target in your head.
“The ball just gets in the way”
The Back Swing
The back swing is a crucial part of the golf swing that prepares your body and club for the downswing and impact. Here is a breakdown of the key elements of a good back swing:
Rotation: Initiate the back swing by turning your only your shoulders away from the target. This rotation should be controlled and gradual, allowing your upper body to coil while maintaining a stable lower body and a transition of weight back.
Arm and Club Extension: As you rotate your shoulders, allow your arms to extend naturally away from your body, maintaining a straight line from your lead shoulder to the club head. The club should also remain relatively straight and in line with your lead arm.
Wrist Hinge: As your arms reach the top of the back swing, your wrists should hinge naturally, try not to overthink here and allow the weight of the club do this for you. You will create a 90-degree angle between your lead arm and the club.
Weight Shift: Start the transition of your weight from your trail foot (right foot for right-handed golfers) to your lead foot (left foot for right-handed golfers) as you rotate your shoulders. This weight transfer helps start the creation of power and generates the proper sequence for the downswing.
Upper Body Coil: At the top of the back swing, your upper body should be coiled and rotated away from the target, while your lower body remains stable. This coiling action stores potential energy that will be released up from the feet during the downswing.
Maintaining Good Posture: Throughout the back swing, it is important to maintain good posture, with a straight back, neutral spine, and balanced stance. Avoid excessive tilting or swaying that can result in inconsistent strikes.
Remember to practice the back swing regularly to develop consistency and power. Working with a golf instructor or analyzing your swing with video technology can help identify areas for improvement and provide specific drills to enhance your back swing.
The Downswing
The downswing is the second half of the golf swing after the backswing. It is a crucial part of the swing that generates power and controls the direction of the shot. Here are some key elements of a good downswing:
Weight Shift: Begin the downswing by transferring your weight from your trail foot (right foot for right-handed golfers) to your lead foot (left foot for right-handed golfers). This weight shift helps initiate the sequence of movements and generates power.
Hip Rotation: As you shift your weight, rotate your hips toward the target. This rotational movement helps create torque and generates power for the swing.
Slight Upper Body Rotation: Allow your upper body to rotate naturally as you shift your weight and rotate your hips. The rotation should be controlled and synchronized with the lower body movement.
Lag and Release: Maintain the lag created in your wrists during the back swing and release it through impact. This late release of the club head generates club head speed like the tip of a whip and this maximizes power at impact.
Quiet Lower Body: While the lower body initiates the downswing, it should remain relatively stable during the actual strike. Avoid excessive lateral movement or sliding of the lower body, which can lead to inconsistent strikes.
Follow Through: After striking the ball, continue the swing to a full and balanced follow-through position. Allow your body to rotate fully, with your chest facing the target and your club swinging freely around your body.
Practice and Tempo: The downswing requires practice and repetition to develop a smooth and consistent motion. Focus on maintaining a smooth and rhythmic tempo throughout the downswing, avoiding any jerky or rushed movements.
Remember to work on your downswing in conjunction with your overall swing mechanics and fundamentals. Consulting with a golf instructor or using video analysis can provide feedback and specific drills to improve your downswing.
The Finish
The golf swing finish is the final position of the swing after the ball has been struck. It is important to maintain proper form and balance throughout the swing, including the finish. Here are some key elements of a good golf swing finish:
Balanced Finish: The finish position should be balanced and stable, with your weight primarily on your lead foot (left foot for right-handed golfers). Avoid leaning back or falling off-balance. This is your ongoing scorecard of your swing in both practice and play.
Full Extension: Achieve full extension of your arms, with your lead hand (left hand for right-handed golfers) pointing towards your target. This indicates that you have maintained proper arm extension throughout the swing and maximized the potential power and distance.
Spine Angle: Maintain the same spine angle as at address, avoiding any unnecessary bending or arching of the back. This promotes good posture and helps control the swing plane, ball striking and therefore ball direction and distance.
Head Position: Keep your head and eyes down on the ball throughout the swing and as far into the finish as you can. Avoid lifting or looking up too early, as it can lead to inconsistent ball striking.
Square Hips and Shoulders: Aim to have your hips and shoulders facing towards the target at the finish. This demonstrates that you have fully rotated your body through the swing and generated power from your lower body.
Relaxed Grip: As you reach the finish, ensure that your grip pressure is relaxed. A tight grip may indicate tension in your hands and all arm and shoulder muscles affecting swing and will lead to inconsistent ball striking.
Smooth Follow Through: Complete your swing with a smooth and natural follow-through. The club should swing freely, with your arms and hands continuing their motion well after impact. Resist shut down after the strike your brain may need a little retraining here. Remember that the finish is a result of the entire swing motion, so it is essential to work on all aspects of your swing to achieve a consistent and balanced finish. Practicing with a mirror or video recording can help you check your form, and seeking guidance from a golf instructor can provide personalized advice and drills to improve your swing finish.
Drills
Improving your golf swing requires regular practice and drilling. Here are some drills you can incorporate into your training to help improve your golf swing:
1. Alignment Drill: Set up an alignment rod or club on the ground to ensure your feet, hips, and shoulders are properly aligned. Practice swinging with this alignment rod in place to develop a consistent and square swing path.
2. Impact Bag Drill: Use an impact bag or a stack of pillows to practice your impact position. Swing and hit the bag, focusing on keeping your hands ahead of the clubhead at impact, as this promotes solid ball striking.
3. Swing Plane Drill: Place a towel or pool noodle on the ground, parallel to your target line. Practice swinging and trying to keep the clubhead on the towel throughout the swing, promoting a more consistent swing plane.
4. Slow Motion Swing Drill: Slow down your swing and feel every movement and position throughout the swing. This drill helps develop awareness of your body and club positions, enabling you to make corrections for better swing mechanics.
5. One-Handed Drill: Practice swinging with only your lead hand (left hand for right-handed golfers) or lead hand (right hand for left-handed golfers). This drill helps improve hand and arm coordination while promoting a smoother and more controlled swing.
6. Ball Fall Weight Shift Drill: Place a golf ball on your lead foot (left foot for right-handed golfers & visa versa for lefties). Practice swinging and transferring your weight to your lead foot during the downswing, making sure to not let the ball fall.
7. Mirror Drill: Stand in front of a mirror and practice your swing. Observe your body positions, check your alignment, and analyze any swing faults. This drill helps develop visual feedback and promotes self-correction.
8. Video Analysis: Record your swing from different angles and review the footage to identify any swing flaws or areas that need improvement. Seek guidance from a golf instructor, who can provide personalized feedback and advice for your swing.
Remember to start with small, focused drills and gradually incorporate them into your practice routine. Consistency and repetition are key to improving your golf swing. It is also important to work on both the technical aspects of the swing and the mental aspects, such as focus, visualization, and course management.