Golf clubs: Champions � A look at Ernie Els' swing

Studying golf champions such as Ernie Els is a great way to improve your technique.

It would be fair to say that Ernie Els is one of golf's greatest champions. He swings that golf club so effortlessly that it makes other golfers green with envy. Everyone on the professional circuit envies Ernie Els. He makes the golf swing look so easy. He has a beautiful, graceful rhythm and never looks as if he is trying to hit the ball hard. According to Ken Brown, BBC golf commentator, players in the past such as Lee Trevino and Jonny Miller had very idiosyncratic swings. But the modern action is more grooved - none more so than Els'.

Ernie's grip

Despite his enormous hands he grips the golf club extremely lightly as he stands over the ball. If you want to check your grip is right, try this. Ideally, as you look down you should be able to see two or three knuckles of your left hand and two on your right. Many club players find they have the right hand twisted too far round to the right.

Ernie's swing

If you've had a look at Tiger Woods' swing you'll have learnt about all the key parts of the classic swing. But with Els, there's never been a clearer case of someone just being born able to swing a golf club correctly. He looks so balanced as he gets ready to start his downswing, you wouldn't believe he's 6ft 3ins and 15 stone. It's just a question of getting himself in the position to let his natural swing run its course. The best thing to do with Ernie is just watch him hit the ball - as often as you can and that way some of his skill might just rub off onto you.

Whether you're just starting out or already a serious golfer, it's never too late to learn something new and improve your technique. That's why it's so important to not only look at other more experienced players' technique, but also try and record your own golf swing sometime. Analysing video footage of yourself might be initially embarrassing, but it will do you good in the end.

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