Hold On or Let It Go?

HOLD ON OR...

i ’ m oversimplifying a bit, but there are two camps in pro golf. There are players who hold off releasing the club until around impact. And there are players who release it as soon as they start the downswing. Hold-off players include Jordan Spieth, Zach Johnson and Lee Trevino. The releasers: Adam Scott, Patrick Reed and Jack Nicklaus. I mention these guys because they’re all major winners, which proves there’s more than one way to swing the club effectively. And when I say “release the club,” I mean letting the momentum generated in the downswing propel the clubhead through the impact zone without trying to restrict it. The feeling is that you’re letting go; there’s no tension in your swing.

To find out what type of release would improve your swing, mark a line in the turf that represents your ball position. Using a 7-iron, make several swings at that line. If your divots are taken mostly behind the line, you might need more “hold on” in your swing. You’re probably too active with your hands, flicking the club at the ball with minimal body rotation. Instead, feel more like the clubhead stays behind your hands through impact. Your drill: Make swings with your left hand only, letting your body and arm lead the club through the hitting area (left).

If you’re taking deep divots in front of the line, you might be gripping too tight and not letting the clubhead fire past your body. You’re probably trying to steer shots into play. You need to grip lighter and let the clubhead release. your drill: Make rightarm swings (right), noting how you can’t stop the club from slinging forward. You can practice these fixes anywhere, and your throughswing will improve. —with ron kaspriske

LET IT GO

SHOULD YOU RELEASE THE CLUB THROUGH IMPACT? by jim mclean