Shoulder-Priority Takeaway & Waiter's Elbow Checkpoint
Curated PGA Drill by Golf Distillery
Takeaway
3 sets of 10 slow rehearsal reps
Golf club, alignment stick (optional)
Intermediate
Why This Drill Works (Kinetic Mechanics)
When a laid-off club gets rerouted UNDER the plane in transition, it produces blocks, pushes, or hooks instead of a steep pull. Prioritizing lead-shoulder rotation in the takeaway (instead of hands/forearms) and holding the trail elbow in the waiter's-tray position at the top keeps the club in front of the body, preventing it dropping too far behind and getting stuck.
How to Perform the Drill
Follow these step-by-step instructions. Rehearse slowly to build proper motor patterns before adding full swing speed.
- 1
Step 1
Address checkpoint: from a good setup, move the club straight back along the target line — not picked up outside, and not pulled too far inside.
- 2
Step 2
Start the takeaway by turning the lead (left) shoulder first, letting it push the club back on-line rather than letting the hands and arms manipulate the club early.
- 3
Step 3
Continue to the top and check the trail (right) elbow: it should sit close to the body at roughly a 90-degree angle, like a waiter carrying a tray, separated from the ribs just enough to create space.
- 4
Step 4
If the trail elbow flares up and away from the body, the club is getting too flat/stuck behind you — reset and repeat the shoulder-first move.
What Good Feels Like
Focus on smooth tempo and maintaining body connection through impact. Your body and club should move as a single synchronized unit.
Common Mistake to Avoid
Rushing transition before completing backswing or lunging upper body forward towards ball at impact. Keep movement controlled.
