IN LAST week's article, we made a start at the most critical part of the golf swing, the downswing or movement of the club head back to the ball.

This week, we get to the really exciting bit, but also the most unnerving bit.

Remember we are now on to the area of the swing that really separates those that achieve their potential and those that don't.

We covered previously the idea that during the golf swing, which when done well is effortless and powerful, the path that the club takes is far from comforting.

From the top of the backswing we are allowing the hands, arms and club to fall back towards the body which results in the clubface, still vertical at about waist high, coming down and 'behind' your hands.

At around that point, if our arms and hands are relaxed enough, the club head will naturally 'release' back to square at the ball before turning over and initiating a follow through which goes around our body - not down the target line.

Going back to an earlier article, this really highlights the importance of the grip - if your grip is neutral the club face will square naturally and predictably.

If you have a poor grip you are forced to interfere with the natural flow of the swing in order to 'square' the face and therefore you will get some right and some wrong.

The unnerving thing is the club goes from open to closed in a short space of time and is only 'square' to the target at the point of impact with the ball.

We would rather the club face was square for longer, which is logical, but unfortunately not effective as that fights the natural and most effective path that the club head should take when swinging at its fastest and most predictable.

The most important ingredient here is that your hands, wrists and forearms stay relaxed throughout the swing and that you trust the natural swing of the club head - not easy as we all want to control the club head's every move.

Next week I will give you some additional tips to help you through this critical area of the swing.

* Tony White is the golf operations manager at Gibraltar Country Club, Bowral. He can be contacted on 4862 8615 or visit www.gibraltarbowral.com.au for more information.

VIDEO: Tony White, with assistance from Alex, explains the most important ingredients to a golfers' swing.