Miguel Angel Jimenez: swing sequence

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"The Mechanic" might have turned 51, but there is much to admire in the colourful Spaniard's individual swing.

If you need some help turning your hips in the backswing, do as Miguel does and aim your feet to the right somewhat, this will help you make a bigger hip turn on the way back.

Words by Ian Clark, Master Professional at World of Golf and Advanced Fellow of the PGA.

"The Mechanic" might have turned 51, but there is much to admire in the colourful Spaniard's individual swing, says Ian Clark, Master Professional at World of Golf and Advanced Fellow of the PGA.

1. If you need some help turning your hips in the backswing, do as Miguel does and aim your feet to the right somewhat, this will help you make a bigger hip turn on the way back.

2. Although Miguel has lifted his arms slightly off his chest, note how he still keeps the club head in front of his hands - no rolling the clubface open here.

3. See how Miguel's right knee is beginning to straighten somewhat? Copy this to help facilitate a bigger turn.

4. This is a measure of Miguel's flexibility - space between the knees shows a full turn, the butt end of the club points to a spot behind his heel line, and the right leg is straightening. All good things.

5. What you see here is a consequence of the start-up - the shaft is a little laid off here (clubshaft pointing outside of the target line)

6. Compare this picture to picture 4 - see how the clubshaft is in a different position. This is a sign of Miguel's wonderful feel for the club. Lots of golfers would struggle with this sort of compensation.

7. Lovely! No "casting" of the club here. The clubshaft is in between the right shoulder and the right elbow, his hips are square to the target line and his shoulders are still closed to target line.

8. If a picture can show motion this is it. You really get a feel for the flow of Miguel's swing here. It seems like he is swinging at a soap bubble, not a golf ball. The club appears to just collect the ball.

9. Full speed ahead! Note the right foot, and how it is rolling inwards, no violent spinning of the hips, and the club looks like it is swinging past his body. Free flowing at its best.

10. If you slice, make sure you get your clubface facing downward at this point in the swing, just like the "Mechanic" has done here.

22. If you do one thing next time you play, try to hold your finish position for a few seconds. Miguel is demonstrating wonderful balance, the swing appears unhurried, and as a result he can hold this for as long as he likes. 

Photos: Mark Newcombe/Visions in Golf