A could weeks ago I provided an update on my golf game, which at the time resembled something closer to a train wreck. Since then I’ve spent a great time of time and energy on fighting what ailed me, guided by the memory of decent play from my past and a library of YouTube tips.

I’m happy to report my most recent round showed promise, and it all stems from one simple swing adjustment… and a tomato stick.

A Quick Note on Swing Plane

For years I’ve struggled with a flat backswing. I used to attribute this to my baseball playing days as a child, but having played golf for over 25 years now, that excuse is running out of fuel.

For whatever reason, the feeling of a right elbow tucked against my side seemed like the best thing to do. Ben Hogan had a flat swing, for crying out loud! Surely if he — and countless other, less-successful pros — could make a flat swing plane work, I could figure out a way, too.

Over the years I began to convince myself that a single-plane swing was just a fancier way of referring to what you see in the video above, and I stuck to my guns. Unfortunately, my focus on that feeling in my right elbow became an obsession, and over time other aspects of the backswing fell apart. Loose wrists at the top became an exaggerated re-gripping of the club just before transition, which was evident on the wear patterns in my golf glove.

I recall a former playing partner suggesting that this little move — which included a sound that again confirmed I was re-gripping the club at the top — was a modern marvel of hand-eye coordination and timing. But not in a good way.

Perhaps the worst part of my swing was that it actually produced good rounds of golf from time to time. My lowest handicap ever was achieved last summer (6). It’s been a slow, painful climb back up toward double-digits ever since. Yes, it is true that it’s possible to have too much of a good thing.

I knew I needed to adjust something, and the only thing that sprang into mind was the plane of my backswing.

A YouTube Video Tip That Actually Works

Contrary to the advice I have given multiple people myself… I searched YouTube for about an hour on tips to steepen my swing. Despite the best efforts of friends and golf pros alike, I’ve never been able to adequately “feel” what a steeper backswing should be.

Until now.

The above video, filmed in 2016 by a pro I’ve never heard of, was just short enough to provide me the information I needed without being “too short.” It also seemed to make enough sense and was explained in such away that the message resonated. Plus, all it required was a purchase of a $2 tomato stick from my local hardware store to get started.

Working through the drill described in the video was odd at first, but I’d be damned if it didn’t work as advertised. Two range sessions with my newfound tomato stick resulted in what “felt” like a steeper swing, but more importantly, produced crisp contact.

While the results are still early and more testing is needed, we might be onto something here. Stay tuned for more updates as I have them.