May 18, 2026 11:42 am

A good golf takeaway can often be made or broken in the first few feet of the backswing. You may have a great set-up position at address. However, if the club is taken away incorrectly, it can quickly affect the rest of the swing.

One of the main errors we see as golf coaches is players whipping the club too far around the body during the takeaway. This can make the backswing feel cramped and restricted. It can also lead to an over-the-top downswing and, more often than not, the dreaded slice.

Why the takeaway matters

When the club moves too far around the body early, it can restrict the backswing. From there, many golfers throw the club over the top on the downswing. This is one of the common causes of a slice.

To help avoid this, the club should start back much straighter than you may think. A simple way to check this is to swing the club back until it is horizontal. Then, turn your body 90 degrees to the right and place the clubhead back on the floor.

If you have made the correct takeaway, you should now be in a very specific position. It should look as though you are about to hit a golf ball at a right angle to your original target.

This may feel a little unusual at first. However, it is a great way to train a better takeaway and build a smoother, more controlled backswing.

Categorised in: Tip of the month, World of Golf London