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Mark Crossfield's Newsletter #160
The Tiny Takeaway Mistake That Causes BIG Problems...
Mark Crossfield
October 09, 2026
A lot of golfers create problems in their swing almost immediately.
If the club gets dragged too far inside during the first part of the takeaway, the rest of the backswing can quickly become a series of compensations.
The good news is that there’s a really simple feeling you can use to organise that first move much better.
It comes down to what your thumbs are doing.
At address, both thumbs are essentially pointing down towards the ball.
As you start the backswing, I want you to feel like you’re gently lifting your thumbs up, while the heel pads of your hands push down into the handle.
That helps to “load” the club in the first part of the takeaway and stops it disappearing behind you too early.
Let me show you what I mean…
The Key Feeling:
Instead of letting the thumbs work down, which can send the hands out and the clubhead back inside…
Feel like you’re:
Pressing down slightly through the heel pads of your hands ✅
Allowing the thumbs to lift gently ✅
Keeping the club more in sync with your hands during the takeaway ✅
Once your body rotation starts to come in, everything can then begin to match up much more naturally.
It might feel strange at first, but getting this early move right can make the rest of the swing much easier to organise.
Today’s newsletter is brought to you by PRO SENDR :
How It Helps:
Better clubface control ✔️
More consistent direction ✔️
Better strikes ✔️
More reliable iron play ✔️
PS: You can use exactly the same feeling with your driver too!
Watch the video above and try this swing feel next time you’re at the range.
Fancy upping the ante next time you go to the range? Try the Window Golf app to turn your phone into a precision aiming tool…
Something close to my heart…
What I would consider my home club (where I grew up learning the game of golf) is in the process of raising funds for a cancer charity that is close to my heart, and that of some of the members who helped me on my way in the world of golf.
If there is anything you can contribute to the cause, no matter how big or small, please use the QR code below.
No pressure, no expectations, just some charitable outreach on my part if this is something you can get behind…
I hope you enjoyed this issue and it helps your game!
Please reply to this email with requests for future topics you would like me to cover.
Have a great weekend!
- Mark
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