Rotation Drill

Most of us should be working towards better rotation through impact. One of the biggest differences I see between the everyday golfer and the pros is the amount of hip rotation that has occurred at impact. What I call the “two cheek” impact position where both butt cheeks are visible from down the line at impact. This drill will help! Take a look…

Notes:

• Grab an 8 or 9 iron and set up to the ball which initially should be on a tee.

• Wind about halfway back into the backswing and pump down to where the shaft is approximately parallel to the ground. Here you should feel your chest and hips as open as you can possibly get them.

• After a few rehearsals give the ball a light hit and slowly build up speed while incorporating this sense into full speed swings.

Let’s keep in mind that in order to be able to rotate more freely through impact is largely an indicator of the clubhead and club face being in an acceptable position in the early part of the downswing. If your club face is wide open and you try to rotate more through impact there’s a strong chance you’ll actually hit the ball worse! Start with getting the clubhead deep in the early downswing and the club face fairly strong - from there this drill will work wonders for your ballstriking.

Thanks so much for watching/reading along. I hope that in some small way I am able to contribute to the joy you experience out on the links. Until next time…

The What, the Why and the How about "Getting Open" at Impact

What does 'get open' at impact mean? Why is it important to be open with your hips and chest as you approach impact? Now for the million dollar question - how can I do it? Start by taking a few minutes to watch and listen as I address all of these questions here...

What is it?

• PGA Tour players are on average around 45º open with their hips and around 25º open with their chest at impact
• Some are more and some are less, but all are open to some degree

Why is it important?

• Getting the body rotating through impact allows for the hands to play a more passive role, thus allowing for a quieter clubface through the strike
• Most golfers hit shots off line due to an inability to control the clubface through impact
• All golfers would like to be more predictable with their ball flight and a quieter clubface through the strike will typically lead to improved control

How can I get open?

• Get the clubhead deeper/more behind you as you start the downswing
• Use your wrist angles to maintain control over the clubface and get it in place for a passive ride through impact
• Observe your lead arm position going up and most importantly, coming down, while avoiding anything extreme

The great golfers pictured above have an uncanny knack at controlling the clubface through impact. I'm convinced that getting the hips and the chest more than less open as the club strikes the ball will help you to become a more consistent golfer. 

Get to it!