Where is your lead elbow pointing at [driver] set-up?

[KMeloney]

I know that Dechambeau advocate having the lead elbow pointing at the target (presumably by having that lead shoulder rotated internally). Looks like maybe Brooks has a very similar lead arm at set-up. But then it appears that Rory may have his pointing halfway between the ground and the target. And then it appears that others may have their lead elbow pointing mostly down toward the ground.

 

It seems to me that having the elbow pointing at the target at set-up may "pre-set" the rotation of the forearms going back. And then maybe that lessens the urge to rotate the forearms back closed on the down swing. I'm also assuming that a down-pointing lead elbow would encourage a straight-back, one-piece move off the ball, and then a more dynamic move with the arms as the trail arm bends. If that's true, then I'm imagining that a more dynamic move on the back swing would encourage the same dynamic reversing move on the way down.

 

Prior to hearing replies about this, I believe that how you set the lead elbow at address probably matters a lot, and that top golfers always set it the same way for specific reasons. I just don't know how it matters. If it matters, then I'm interested in knowing if there are other match-ups in the swing that the elbow orientation compliments, whether it leads to a specific path into the ball or certain shot shape, whether it's used to combat a particular miss, etc.

[Nickc]

Bumped as I am also interested in this

[jaffabell]

There must be more out there on this.

 

Also curious as to what difference right elbow makes at address too

[Nickc]

1 hour ago, jaffabell said:

Also curious as to what difference right elbow makes at address too

Re the right elbow I point this down towards right hip as per Hogans 5 Lessons. I find to actively ensure this helps prevent a tendency I developed of a slightly right flying elbow at the top of the backswing.

But with left, as OP pointed out, there is more than one school of thought.

Edited August 30, 2024 by Nickc

[Dewdman42]

Depends on your grip and how handsy you are, etc..  I don’t think there is one right answer.  For myself I don’t think I internally rotate my lead shoulder much at all in the backswing.  I try to avoid rolling my hands through impact also.  So my elbow is not facing the target pretty much ever.  But maybe if I had exteme weak grip that could be more of a thing. Maybe. But I don’t. 
 

I have experimented with both extremes of this and in the end found for me it’s helpful to have my lead elbow at address be pointed more towards the ground then towards the target but not extremely so i have it in a comfortable position with still some forearm range of motion in both directions when clubface is square 

 

but therein lies another interesting point I have heard dechambeu talk about intentionally locking out the range of motion in the forearms and I think that is what he is trying to do with that high lead elbow.  The lead forearm will be maxed out supination with the club square.  Of course that also means he could externally rotate the lead shoulder to oblivion, but somehow that approach is obviously working for him.

 

myself I am personally trying to minimize the amount of shoulder rotation and forearm twisting that must happen.  Some will happen but I’m not thinking about it at all and generally don’t like the idea of locking out my forearms at either extreme

Edited August 30, 2024 by Dewdman42