Elite Golf Performance

Just a basic that I get asked about a lot. There’s no perfect answer, it’s just a matter of knowing what you need. Obviously it will vary by the club, but hopefully you at least know what the pro and con is for a wider or narrower stance. Simple, but can make a big difference.

A chicken wing after impact drives golfers crazy; but it’s usually a reaction to something. Focusing on the symptom of chicken winging, and not what’s actually causing it can cause more problems in the long run. Look into what’s causing it; likely poor sequencing, lack of natural rotation, or poor positioning in the downswing.

I LOVE the smart ball. It’s so simple but so effective. However, all too often I see golfers use it and create a short, narrow, and unathletic golf swing from it. It’s mainly because we’re forgetting to lift the arms; a massive part of the backswing. We seem to simply want to turn and just keep everything close, but instead we should find as much freedom as possible while keeping the ball in between our forearms. Remember training aids and drills can be very effective, but only with the right intent and effort.

Some of my least favorite swing cues and thoughts. Personally I’ve seen these do way more harm than good.

Headcover under armpit - would you throw a ball with your arm connected to your body at all times? May work with shorter clubs but makes longer irons and driver very difficult….and you’re giving up tons of distance!

Pausing at the top - Ruins your athleticism. Causes flinchy and jerky motions on the golf course. Better option is to perfect the backswing tempo, letting the club float at the top and not going super slow on the initial takeaway.

“Turning” your hips in downswing - technically this is correct, but I’ve seen this cause more spinny, inefficient downswings than almost anything else out there. From physical limitations, to arms getting lost behind the body, to improper weight shift and usage of the ground. Elite players may be able to handle this cue well, but most golfers this will be a disaster.

We love to over complicate things in golf. Often it’s best to start simple and look for a natural, athletic movement to help. In this case, learn to throw a frisbee with your lead hand. Practice it, then go execute it. You’ll gain a feel of a natural release. Instead of trying to do a bunch of complex body and wrist movements, try this first. Your brain will thank you.

Seems somewhat overly simplistic, but just rehearsing getting to a certain position can be beneficial. Lots of elite drivers of the golf ball simply get to this one position. Their hands, club, and lead leg are all lined up just after impact. Rehearse getting here with a square club face and your awareness of the club and your body will improve dramatically.

Really simple drill that you may have seen a version of before. However, I prefer putting the alignment stick on some tees to make it even tougher. I think doing this really forces a more neutral swing plane vs the stick just being on the ground. Use simple drills like this often to reinforce better swing path.

3 easy exercises for better hips. Most struggle with limited internal rotation in their hips, and these exercises will make a big difference in improving just that. Do them carefully, slowly, and with full intent.