The golf swing can be very confusing and intimidating to a beginning golfer. While golf is unique in that one doesn't necessarily need to be 'athletically inclined' to be decent at the game, there are many similarities between golf and other sports. Learning about the comparisons between them can help a new golfer understand the swing. Some examples follow.
The golf swing as it relates to a 'pitch' in baseball
When a pitcher is on the mound, they stare right at their intended target just before beginning the windup (or backswing, in golf). As their arm (clubhead) comes back, the body weight begins to load up on the right leg (for a right-hander). The pitcher's arm and ball (or, a golfer's club) reach a transition point. Then, there is a powerful release of body weight over to the left side of the body (which actually begins just before the arm comes all the way back), with the arm and ball (golfer's clubhead) following suit. The pitcher then ends up with all their body weight on the left side of the body (for a golfer it would be about 90% body weight in order to keep the right foot on the ground and balanced on the tip of the right shoe). At the finish, both the pitcher and the golfer should face their intended target, having made a full release and follow through.
The golf swing as it relates to bowling
When a bowler is setting up to roll the rock, they bring the ball back as they are stepping forward. This movement creates more power and ball speed (if it did not, they would simply bring the ball back and through while standing on the line just before the lane). This is like the golf swing in that there is a transfer of body weight (to the left side) beginning before the club has come all the way back to the top of the backswing, creating torque and power on the downswing. As the bowler lunges forward and braces their left foot by the line, the leg must remain very firm, as most of the bowler's body weight will be loading up on it (just like in the golfer's downswing). Additionally, the move a bowler makes in order to put 'english' on the ball (to get it to spin) can help a golfer understand how to hit a draw, because the more the right hand rotates through contact, the more a ball will draw (or spin right to left, in the bowler's case).
The golf swing as it relates to tennis
The analogies between golf and tennis are plentiful. A tennis racket must accelerate through the ball in order to make a good stroke. The head must stay stable with the eyes on the ball as contact is made and the racket (club) releases down the target line. Swinging too hard or out of balance will usually result in the ball going out of bounds. Body weight loads up on the right side on the backswing and to the left on the downswing, then completely left on the follow through. The ball must be hit on the sweet spot, directly in the middle of the racket (clubface). Rolling the racket from an open to a closed position through contact will result in a topspin shot (or a draw in golf). Keeping the wrist and hand firm through contact and not allowing it to close will result in a backspin shot (or a fade in golf). The racket (club shaft) should end up in a high position by the head at the end of the follow through.
One can draw comparisons between golf and almost any other sport (fishing, basketball, hockey, etc.). So, having some experience with other sports can certainly help one learn more about the golf swing (with a little guidance from a teaching professional).
