Does Left Arm Need to Be Straight in Golf?

Golfers should try and keep their left arm as straight as possible without it being rigid, or locked, but some bend is fine. Most professional players start with a straight left arm at address, which bends to around five degrees at top of their backswing.

How important is straight left arm in golf?

The truth is, while keeping the left arm straight is not absolute imperative, it does help most players hit the ball farther and more solid. That's because a straight left arm creates width at the top of the swing, which helps golfers create more speed and consistency.

Can you play golf with a bent left arm?

Most of you have probably heard all of your golf life that a straight left arm is vital to a proper backswing. It's not. ... But, a bent left arm will naturally straighten into the proper position on the downswing … if the golfer swings the arm properly on the downswing.