Malaska Certified Coach Matt Baker from The Manchester Golf Club in England answers a question from Randy Monroe about whether golfers should have a trigger to start their motion — especially when putting.

Matt explains that every golfer should have a trigger or movement cue to begin the swing. Whether it’s a putt, chip, pitch, or full shot, a trigger creates rhythm, helps eliminate tension, and ensures the motion starts dynamically rather than statically. Starting from a frozen position often leads to a jerky, non-athletic motion that lacks flow and timing.
He recalls how both he and Mike Malaska learned that even the best players incorporate a forward press or subtle shift before starting the stroke. Great players like Roger Davis used a pronounced forward press to initiate motion, while others kept it small and natural. Regardless of size, the key is that it introduces dynamic energy into the swing.
Matt compares this to athletic movements in other sports — a goalkeeper leans one way before diving the other, or a long-drive competitor shifts side-to-side before launching the ball. The same principle applies to golf: movement creates motion.

For putting, Matt recommends a slight forward press with the hands to set the stroke in motion. As long as the wrists don’t roll or manipulate the face, this trigger won’t affect alignment — it simply starts the stroke smoothly and builds tempo and rhythm.

In this lesson you will learn:
• Why every swing needs a trigger to create dynamic motion.
• How static starts lead to tension and inconsistent rhythm.
• Why a forward press helps sequence the putting stroke.
• How movement before motion creates flow in every part of the game.
• Why triggers improve timing, rhythm, and overall consistency.

He leaves golfers with a timeless reminder:
“Every great swing starts with movement — find your trigger and let it set your rhythm.”
— Matt Baker, Malaska Certified Coach
This Makes Sense. Own Your Swing.