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In first lesson, Mike Malaska works with Ashley Huizing to explore two distinct approaches to playing golf while addressing common misconceptions that have hindered many players' progress.Mike begins by explaining why trying to replicate the techniques of professional legends, such as Ben Hogan, is often impractical for the average golfer. Hogan’s swing method, which relied heavily on forearm rotation and grip adjustments, was developed out of necessity to correct his tendency to hook the ball. Starting with a strong grip as a young player, Hogan struggled with low hooks and spent a year refining his swing to eliminate them. His solution involved weakening his left hand grip and positioning his right hand more neutrally to allow for aggressive forearm rotation without hooking.Mike highlights that Hogan’s method, while mesmerizing and effective for him, was highly specialized. Hogan’s precision required relentless practice—hitting at least 500 balls daily to maintain his skill. Even missing one day would set him back two days of practice. This level of commitment and expertise is unattainable for most golfers, yet many view Hogan’s approach as the ultimate standard to emulate, often leading to frustration and inconsistent results.Mike points out that while some of Hogan’s fundamentals have value, much of his technique is overly complex and not practical for the average player. He shares his own experience of trying Hogan’s method for three years. Although he could consistently strike the center of the clubface, he had no control over direction or distance, making it impossible to aim at specific targets. The result was a lack of precision, missed opportunities for birdies, and limited success under pressure.The lesson emphasizes the need for a simpler, more sustainable approach to the golf swing—one that focuses on balance, control, and adaptability rather than rigid adherence to complex techniques. Mike acknowledges that trying to replicate a method that took a "savant" years to perfect and required extreme daily practice is not only unrealistic but often counterproductive.By debunking these myths and presenting alternative methods, this lesson sets the stage for Ashley to develop a more consistent, reliable swing suited to her own strengths and abilities.

Golf Method And Myths

When you swing a golf club your head appears to stay fairly still. But it is not because your are trying to hold it still. It stays fairly centered because you body is constantly pushing away from the motion of the club. So as the club moves back my body is starting to move forward. As the club swings around me on the down swing my body is moving away from the motion of the club. As I swing into the finish I am again pushing away from the motion of the club. Most great players heads actually appear to move back as the club goes through the ball. That is because they are pushing back away from the forward momentum of the club. That also creates a tremendous amount of acceleration.

Head Still

Putting is the difference between winning and losing. Here's what you need to win.

WHAT IS PUTTING

When you set up to the ball your trail wrist is at a 90 degree angle to your swing arch. As you swing back to waist high your trail wrist is still at a 90 degree angel to the swing arch. As your arm swings to the top of your swing your trail arm externally rotates in your shoulder socket. That rotation makes the club face look as thought it has opened up. Then as you swing down the arm internally rotates back so that at waist high the wrist is back to a 90 degree angle to the arch. It then stays in that same relationship until waist high on the follow through. At that point your lead arm continues to externally rotate. 

SWING ARC

In this episode, Certified Coach Matt Baker from The Manchester Golf Club in England responds to a question from Claudio Jata about a motion that is both instinctive and essential: the arm action loop. Claudio, a high-handicap player, is struggling to feel the correct motion and is getting chunky, inconsistent contact.
 Matt explains that the &ldquo;up-to-under&rdquo; motion is baked into movements from nearly every sport &mdash; whether it is baseball, tennis, or even table tennis. The challenge in golf is learning to trust that natural motion and train it through repetition.
 To help with contact, Matt recommends setting up with a bit more pressure in the lead foot. This minor shift moves the swing arc forward, helping ensure ball-first contact. From there, you can blend in motion and rhythm as you improve. Once the motion clicks, you will find better strike, improved accuracy, and a more natural feel for the swing.
 In this lesson you will learn: Why the &ldquo;Up-to-Under&rdquo; loop is already wired into your athletic instincts How to adjust setup pressure to eliminate chunky shots Why this motion is a universal pattern across sports How to build feel and confidence using swing rehearsal The connection between swing arc, contact, and pressure shift He leaves golfers with a powerful reminder that trusting your athletic instincts and repeating the up-to-under loop will lead to more natural and solid ball-striking.
 This Makes Sense. Own Your Swing.

Why Arm Looping Works

As you swing step forward with you trail foot. As you reach the top step forward with you lead foot then hit the ball. This helps to stabilize your lower body as your swing. It also loosens up your arms and shoulders. This allows you to swing and step and hit the next ball. If your arms and shoulders are to tight you can not swing and get back to the next ball. Your body moves to much. 

WALK THROUGH DRILL

Don't shallow the club, shallow your arms.

STEEP AND ACROSS

Your body needs to know how to move correctly to swing. Learn how to teach your body the correct motions.