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As a single figure golfer coming to terms with the fact that i will be 54 this year i am trying to stabilise my swing, and therefore become more consistent. I think that i am loosing consistency by not conciously restraining the hips on the backswing and thereby not building up much resistance. I am also aware that i may sway off the ball a little on the backswing..

My question is - Do you restrain your hips on the backswing and can you give me any tips or drills to help me?

I personally do. When I make my turn I don't let the right leg move basically. So the hips can only go so far without unflexing your right knee or swaying.

A lot depends on your flexibility, really. If you are trying to restrict your hip turn, physiologically you will want to make two changes to your stance to help promote that. The back foot has to be perpendicular to the line, and maybe even just a little inward. Make sure that there is no flare out at all. A squared right foot may help with your swaying, too. Secondly a little wider stance restricts the hip turn as well.

I personally don't think that there should be any conscious restraining of the hips, but at the time same time, no conscious moving of them, either. The hips open up because as the shoulders make their turn, they will bring the hips with them. At the top of a model backswing, the shoulders are turned somewhere around 90 degrees and the hips somewhere around 40 degrees or so.

Its hard to sway off the ball if you take a wider stance..

I am not of your caliber golfer, but I increased my consistency significantly using two different tips together.

One - tuck the outside sleeve in the armpit (short sleeve of course). I am in Illinois so short sleeves are a challenge right now . During the swing don't let it fall back down.

Two- On the backswing at parallel (arms straight back) hold the arms still and only turn your shoulders to finish your backswing. This makes for a good turn, keeps the outside are close to the body, and keeps the back arm from flying wild.

The real secret is feeling the outside shoulder turn under your chin.
Previously I found myself throwing my arms back and breaking the elbow to get that last inch. By focusing on the shoulder turn I have gotten away from the tendency to get "armsy". Also you will feel the "coil" from the outside shoulder along your back to the back hip. The natural release of that "coil" has added easy power and allows better control because it is a controled release rather than me trying to kill the ball.

Like I said, your game is better than mine, but try this when practicing and see if it helps the turn.

I also recommend daily stretching exercises. As we age the back naturally takes longer to loosen up and without a concentrated daily effort of about 5 minutes the muscles become lazy and short. Turning becomes more difficult.
I have seen amazing improvement from others older than you, just by starting a flexibility regiment.

Good luck.

I think that i have cured it - I hope!! The problem was hip related, as i was rotating on the backswing my right hip and knee were turning slightly anti clockwise. I now keep them both solid and in the same position as at address right until the top of the back swing. Played yesterday and the strike was much improved.

Thanks to all who contributed above. You have all helped.

As i am a bit of a tweaker i will be looking at all the tips mentioned above when next on the practice field. Thanks again...

Another drill a pro told my Dad to practice.

When you are practicing, set up to hit a normal shot, then move your left foot back about 18 inches. Then make your normal swing.

This restricts the movement of the hips.
It has helped my Dad a lot.
I hope it helps you.

Here's a drill that might help you to hold your hip still when you start your back swing. Next time you visit the water closet, as you blokes call it over there, SIT DOWN, with both feet flat on the ground, then turn your shoulder to the right as far as you can. Being seated, your hips can't turn, and with a little practice, you will start to get a good feel of what it's like to not turn you hips early. Once you get used to the feeling of not turning your hips, it will become much easier to do the same thing on the course. Try it, it really works. It may sound strange, but it does work.

Couple of great tips there, especially the sitting down one. I like the sound of it thanks. Will deffo try them ASAP