A Question

[mpare]

On the first swing I took at last Sunday's 36 hole NCGT Ryder Cup event, I managed to irritate my sciatic nerve. As the game progressed it became more and more difficult to swing the club. I'm right handed and each backswing caused shooting pains down my right leg. So too on the follow through. It got so bad that I was having a hard time walking.

Out of desperation, I jury-rigged a swing that saw me put all my weight on my left foot. My right foot was drawn back in a closed stance, and - here's the kicker - the only part of my right foot that touched the ground was the tip of my shoe. This curious stance (I called it: "The Toe"), which I used for all shots including putts and chips, forced me to swing with no appreciable backswing and a minimal follow through. My arms and wrists did the job. After a couple of adjustments to prevent the ball from being pulled left, I was able to hit the ball surprisingly straight with the nicest little draw (with irons and woods) I've ever seen. Admittedly, the ball did not fly as far - about a club and a half shorter, but the results were more than I could hope for. It allowed me to stay on the course and finish my final singles match play event. Let me add that on the final nine, I birdied at least 3 of the first six holes with this abomination of a swing! I'll never figure this game out.

Here's my question for you swing experts. Why did this goofy method work?

[leftylucas]

I am no expert but the basics of what you mention are components of the stack and tilt and with natural golf. I have tried the S&T and the ball definitely goes straighter. I think it shortens the backswing but this less movement results in better impact. I have also seen a drill with David Leadbetter where he puts his rear foot onto its toe (and toward the back) so that 95% of the weight is on his forward foot in order to help the player make solid contact and release the club, maybe that is what is happening. We can call it the Paré Method. DVD to be out on informercial in the near future on the Golf Channel.

[jeffc]

I think you can get anything to work. Look at Furyk's swing. I played one of my best games ever with cracked ribs which definitely influenced the way I swung.

[little brit]

How is your back now Mike? I hope you are feeling better.

As to the swing. I think when you know how to properly hit down on the golf ball, you know how to make it work in odd situations. I think that shifting your weight will give you more power but with more moving parts will give you less accuracy. The problem being with your right leg made things a lot easier, if it had been the other leg it may have been more difficult, but may have worked with the ball way back in your stance.

Anyway those are my thoughts, not worth much, but thoughts anyway.

[mpare]

The sciatica is still painful. However, it has not stopped me from golfing. Today, I'll take a break for fear of exacerbating my condition. Worse yet, I'm worried that I'll become dependent on a golf swing that sees me standing on one leg.

Take care.

[little brit]

The sciatica is still painful. However, it has not stopped me from golfing. Today, I'll take a break for fear of exacerbating my condition. Worse yet, I'm worried that I'll become dependent on a golf swing that sees me standing on one leg.

Take care.

I am sure your change purse will remain full either way Sounds like you need it looked at. Tried a chiropractor?

All the best Mike.

[Goshawk]

Mike, what you're describing is a drill used to (1) get a slicer to come more from the inside than from the outside and (2) help golfers get the feeling of being on the "front" leg at impact. It will restrict the backswing and follow-through somewhat.

I've also suffered for many years with lower back problems, sometimes resulting in sciatica. I ended up getting a fusion because of a degenerating disc problem. Please get it looked at before you have to result in this procedure. You'll be down for the count for up to 6 months.

[mpare]

You've got my attention. Between an ankle that the specialists want to fuse (3 months no weight bearing plus 6 to 9 months rehab - not going down that road until there is absolutely no other choice!) and the back, I need no further reminder that my body is aging. I will be speaking to my doctor. In the meantime, I will do my stretches and exercises so that I can keep golfing.

.. I've also suffered for many years with lower back problems, sometimes resulting in sciatica. I ended up getting a fusion because of a degenerating disc problem. Please get it looked at before you have to result in this procedure. You'll be down for the count for up to 6 months.

[Goshawk]

You've got my attention. Between an ankle that the specialists want to fuse (3 months no weight bearing plus 6 to 9 months rehab - not going down that road until there is absolutely no other choice!) and the back, I need no further reminder that my body is aging. I will be speaking to my doctor. In the meantime, I will do my stretches and exercises so that I can keep golfing.

If you haven't already done so, I'd also suggest a quality chiropractor as well to keep those 2 or 3 spinal sections from rubbing together. They are pinching that nerve running down your leg, causing all the pain you're experiencing. Mine was great, helped get me through a lot of episodes of sciatica and low back pain. Good luck.