The Thesis
The 'Top of the Swing' is the moment of maximum potential energy. It is the gathering of the storm before the release.
However, most amateurs arrive at this position not with coiled power, but with leaked energy—arms collapsed, spine angle lost, and balance compromised. The goal is to reach a position where the body is fully wound, but the arms are supported and ready to drop, not chop.
Tom Watson defines the perfect top position simply: "I want to see that my shoulders have completed their turn—90 degrees... and that my back is facing the target."
The Conflict
The modern understanding of the top position is defined by the conflict between Torque (The Modern Power Game) and Flow (The Classic Swing).
1. The Torque Swing (Tiger Woods)
In How I Play Golf, Tiger Woods advocates for a swing built on "Coil." He restricts his hip turn while maximizing his shoulder turn to create a massive differential (the "X-Factor").
- The Move: "I turn my shoulders as far as they'll go... My hips turn, too, but my shoulders turn a lot farther."
- The Feeling: High Tension. Tiger describes a "healthy feeling of tension and resistance down your left side at the top." This acts like a loaded spring, ready to snap back.
- The Requirement: This requires youth, flexibility, and core strength.
2. The Flow Swing (Tom Watson / Classic)
Tom Watson, writing in The Timeless Swing, argues that the modern obsession with restricting the hips hurts the average golfer.
- The Move: "My left heel comes up to facilitate a better turn." By lifting the heel, Watson allows the hips to turn more freely, which in turn allows the shoulders to complete their 90-degree rotation without straining the back.
- The Feeling: Freedom. Watson warns, "A lot of people are afraid to turn enough." He prioritizes a full range of motion over the tight coil of the modern pros.
The Conflict: Tiger wants you to feel "Resistance" for power. Watson wants you to feel "Freedom" for longevity and consistency.
The Synthesis (Best Practice)
We cannot prescribe one 'Best Practice' because body types differ. Instead, we offer a Diagnostic Synthesis based on your physical reality.
Path A: The Athlete (The Tiger Coil)
For young, flexible golfers with good core strength.
- The Move: Keep the left heel planted. Turn the left shoulder under the chin.
- The Check: Feel the resistance in your left side. Your back should face the target, but your belt buckle should only have rotated 45 degrees.
Path B: The Timeless Swinger (The Watson Flow)
For average amateurs, seniors, or those with stiff backs.
- The Move: Let the left heel rise an inch off the ground. This "old school" move releases the tension in the hips and allows you to make a full 90-degree shoulder turn without hurting your back.
- The Check: Ensure your back is facing the target. If you can't get your back to the target without lifting your heel, lift the heel.
The Universal Truth—The 'Slot' and the 'Tray':
Regardless of which path you choose, the position of the club at the top is non-negotiable. Both Woods and Watson agree on the "Square" position.
- Tiger's Check: The clubface should be "square," meaning it is parallel to your left forearm.
- Watson's Check: The left wrist should be "slightly cupped," which positions the left thumb under the shaft.
- The "Tray" Visual: At the top, your right palm should face the sky, as if you are carrying a tray of drinks. This supports the club and prevents the "across the line" error Tiger warns against.
[Image: Side-by-side comparison of a golfer at the top of the swing. Left side shows "Laid Off" (club points left), Center shows "Square" (club points to target, parallel to left forearm), Right shows "Across the Line" (club points right)]
The Drill
The "Lift and Turn" Preset Drill
Goal: To identify your natural plane and feel the perfect "Loaded" position without the distraction of the backswing. This is a drill Tom Watson uses to find his "slot."
The Setup:
- 1. Take your normal address posture.
- 2. LIFT the club straight up in front of you and lay it on your right shoulder (next to your neck). Keep your elbows close together.
The Action:
- 1. TURN your shoulders and hips back until your back faces the target (as if you made a backswing).
- 2. PUSH your hands and arms away from your right shoulder until the left arm is straight.
The Lesson:
You are now in a perfect top-of-swing position.
- Your left arm is extended.
- Your right wrist is supporting the club (The Tray).
- Your body is fully coiled.
Tiger's Mental Key: Once you are in this position, do not rush. Tiger warns that "rushing the downswing" is a problem almost every golfer encounters. Feel the "moment of grace" at the top before you let gravity start the downswing.