Many players dwell upon the fact that they are not limber enough to get a free swing, but it is only because they continually strive to get more power rather than greater accuracy. At the point shown in the illustration every muscle in my body is relaxed to its fullest extent, and the only thing approaching firmness which I am conscious of is in the fingers.

The reason I have placed so much emphasis upon 'keeping the head still is in order that this pivotal center between the shoulders at the base of the neck may preserve its relation to the ball, and you can readily see how important that is if you are to hit the ball accurately and along the line you desire to send it.

All the muscles of the body below that pivotal center are in action and helping to expend their energy to propel the club forward, except those which are controlling the head. The reason I say that keeping the head still and in one spot is the foundation of golf is twofold. The first reason is that is the only way in which you can see the ball clearly; the second is that in that way only can you preserve the pivotal center constant in relation to the ball.

Now, if the centrifugal force is an important factor to be considered, and experience has taught all golfers after a few swings that it is, allowance must be made for it somewhere. It is evident that the balance must be preserved, and I have found in my own case that if my arms are kept straight-that is, the elbows not bent-and I address the ball at the toe of the club instead of the center of the face, it gives me the correct distance when I come back to the ball. This address is one preventive measure because it keeps me from going beyond the ball and having to draw my hands in to hit it.

As there is more power transferred through the arms by the shoulders and back when the arms are extended than when they are bent (due partly to the greater leverage by reason of the greater distance between the club head and the pivotal center, and the fact that with them extended you cannot use the forearms), you have more nearly a fixed line for guiding the club when the club shaft and the left arm are in line and you have more play of the wrists when your club reaches the ball in this style, as shown in the illustration, because there is no bend in the left wrist as there is when your club shaft is in line between the pivotal center and the ball.

Not only this, but it gives greater freedom on the turn when you come to the follow through, and if you have more natural freedom at this point than on the back swing, you have provided a favorable condition for applying your greatest power where it is needed.