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When we talk about the full swing so many aspects can be examined. Poor set-up positions and problems in the back swing lead to most golfer's errors. The backswing does indeed allow golfers to get to the proper position to swing through the ball. However, the forward swing is considered by many to be the most important part of the full swing because it is where we make contact with the ball. If a golfer does not get in the proper position at impact while swinging the club forward there is no way the ball will fly like you want it to. Most golfers don't understand the many principles that make up a golf swing - and normally I wouldn't spend a lot of time on explaining the swing principles to the average golfer. But, one of the most popular questions is about the release in the golf swing. Instead of giving you a textbook definition and perhaps, confusing us all, I would rather give you a few drills to work on that will help you develop the proper release in the golf swing. SPLIT GRIP DRILL This is a drill my college golf coach had us do if we had trouble with getting the clubface square to the target line at impact. It helps the golfer rotate her arms and hands on the downswing so the clubface will be square when it meets the ball. Use a mid-iron and take your grip so your hands are several inches apart. Now swing the club back to waist high on the back swing and on the follow through. Try to feel your right hand crossing over your left on your forward swing. You should also feel the toe of the club passing the heel as you swing forward. To ensure you are properly rotating your hands check the position of the toe of the club at the top of your backswing and when you've finished your swing. The toe of the club should be pointing toward the sky in both instances.
BROOM DRILL Another drill that will help with your release is swinging a broom. Next time you find yourself using a broom around the house go outside and swing it like a golf club a few times. Start with the broom resting on its edge on the ground. Allow the broom to fan open on the backswing. Try to rotate your arms and hands on the downswing so the broom returns to its original position at address. This too will help you feel a proper release.
One more good drill to help you feel your arms rotating as you release the club is to swing your club like a baseball bat. Notice how your right hand will cross over your left and your right forearm rotates over your left. Many golfers have a difficult time returning the clubface (during the downswing) to its original position at address. It is hard for many of us to square the clubface at impact. Work with these drills to improve your release. If you have any questions concerning release or any other aspect of the game contact your local LPGA or PGA golf professional.
For more information about Eastern’s PGA/PGM™ program, call 859-622-4976 or 859-622-1377.
Reprinted from Ladies Golf Journey magazine, April/May 1997 and September/October 1998 Kim Kincer, a member of the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) guided Eastern through the PGA accreditation process, for the Commonwealth of Kentucky's first PGA/Professional Golf Management™ Program at Eastern Ketnucky University. She is the first female PGA/PGM™ director in the nation. Kincer, a Lexington native, was the first female head golf professional in Kentucky when she served as head golf pro and manager at the Tates Creek Golf Course 1990-98. She has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Cincinnati, a master’s degree in administration from Central Michigan University, and is a Class A member of the LPGA Teaching and Club Professional Division. From 2002 to 2005, Kincer served as associate PGA/PGM™ director at Methodist College in Fayetteville, N.C., after four years as assistant director and head women’s golf coach. As coach, she led Methodist College to two NCAA Division II/III national championships and three NCAA Division III titles. In 2001, she was named National Coach of the Year by the National Golf Coaches Association. In addition, she is a four-time Golfweek Coach of the Year.
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A modification of this drill is one in which you point your forefinger of your right hand down the shaft. When you swing the club back - waist high - your finger should be pointed along the target line if it extended behind you. When you swing the club through the impact area your finger should be pointed along your target line.
