The continuation of the legwork on the backswing:
Mike Austin’s tripod position.
Here’s Mike Austin demonstrating the backswing left handed.
Copyright July 2010, llenroc enterprises LLC
Mentored By The Legend – Mike Austin
Lessons With Golf's Longest Hitter
Mentored By The Legend - Mike Austin 
Dear Sir,
I noted in one of your last blogs a statement that at no stage does the blade of the club rotate open. I’m sorry but I am quite confused, there are major contraditions here. I quote from Austinology and the man himself, ‘the left arm pronates and the right hand dorsi flexes…underneath.’ Oh, the important quote from Mr Austin, ‘I don’t want the blade half way back facing the ground, it opens 90 degress..’ and faces the ball along the swing plane arc.
I think the problem has occurred here due to the fact that people are merely pronating their left arm and cocking the hand/thumb, which is correct. But you must also dorsi flex and wind under the right hand, wrist and forearm on the proper plane, otherwise it will I assume negate the power and accuracy we are seeking.
The plane can be checked according to Mike Austin in number of ways. One way he mentions without becoming too technical is to check the shaft half way back or around waist height and see whether it is on a line parrallel to the shoulders. Yes, parrallel but one arm’s length lower.
Mike states, ‘do not raise the arms’ at the early stages of the backswing. The arms do of course raise but on plane.
PS I would appreciate a reply to the comments as you may correct me or explain to me that I have somehow not grasped what was explained in Austinology.
I understand the confusion. It’s stems from the fact that Mike Austin changed his swing after “Austinology” for more effortless power and accuracy. He eliminated the pronation of the arms and hands. The new, advanced move keeps the club face square to the points of a compass.
Mike Austin also did not raise his arms. The right leg extends. The left knee flexes. The left shoulder is now lowered. The spine is titled.
If you continue to turn back and bend your right elbow (for a right handed player) the plane will raise. But, you didn’t raise or lift your arms.
Hope that helps.
Where is the third (absent) tripod leg aiming at? The ball?
Yes.
What was Mike’s thoughts on ball position?
Did he vary ball position, or change it based on the club being used?
Mike Austin generally had me play the ball off the front foot instep unless we were hitting a punch or a specialty shot (the “low boy”).
We would also move it back if we wanted a more driving pitch.
Thanks Dennis.
I understand that you knew Mike personally also.
I trust that we are doing his memory proud!
Yes, Joe.
I am generally on the east coast near NYC but do travel.
Perhaps send me your locale and your golfing history. (llenrocenterprisesllc@gmail.com)
There’s been some interest in putting on group seminars as well.
Thanks.
Are lessons available?
This is one I have not seen
Dennis