This problem is very common for beginner players. This is mostly caused by trying to keep the left arm straight through the swing. When we have this swing thought, it causes the wrists to have little to no hinge. If there is limited hinge, the body attempts to create leverage by bending of the left arm in an attempt to create power. This collapsing at the top of the swing, then leads to 'thin' shots, 'top' shots and limited power.
The best way to master the top position of the golf swing is firstly setting up into your posture at a 45 degree angle. You then want to hinge the wrists straight up to 90 degrees without changing posture. Once you've established this hinge, you then want to rotate the body while keeping the same structure between your arms and your wrists. The perfect top position is where your left arm and the shaft have created a 90 degree angle.
This 'L' shape at the top of your swing will then put you in a great position as you approach impact. This 'L' shape will ensure that your hands stay in front of the clubface at impact while the left arm stays reasonably straight. When you have a collapsed position at the top of your swing, the tendency will be that your hands stay behind the clubface at impact causing inconsistency.
One final reason that compounds you collapsing your left arm is having a very 'strong' grip. When you have a 'strong' grip, it can make the clubface stay quite closed throughout the backswing causing the left arm to under rotate. You want to make sure that the grip is neutral by having the lines between the index fingers and thumbs of both hands pointed at the right shoulder. This will ensure the clubface rotates and thus make it easier for your left arm to hinge to 90 degrees.
If you'd like any further help in overcoming the collapsed left arm, just contact myself at David Waters Golf located at Emerald Lakes Golf Coaching Centre.
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