Starting the Down Swing and Hand Release

by Phil Coker
(NC)

I am a 70 year old male and still very flexible. I cannot initiate the downswing correctly and do not understand how to delay the release of the hands.

I haven't played golf in many years but 30 years ago I had a 9 handicap.

I have just purchased a new set of Big Bertha Diablo clubs. I haven't played a round with them yet because I am having trouble hitting the ball consistently on the range.

Thanks for your help.

Phil Coker

Answer:

Dear Phil,

Thanks for your enquiry,

Delaying the release of your hands and wrists is directly related to the feeling you have for the weight of the club head that you are swinging.

"Feeling" the club head with your hands throughout the whole swing is the key to consistent ball striking and effortless distance. The faster you can let your hands swing, the faster the club head will swing and release at impact, giving you maximum distance with very little "body effort" involved.

(The correct grip pressure will allow your arms and shoulders to be in a relaxed state, and to follow and support the hands in there free movement)

There is no need to concern yourself with "when" to release because the weight of the club head will do this automatically. This is the way the law of physics works when a weighted object( the club head) is swinging around you.

A simple and effective method for finding this feeling I am talking about is to take your address position,swing the club back feeling the weight of the club head with your hands all the time.

When your hands are hip height halfway in the back swing, the club shaft should be perpendicular or pointing straight up to the sky.

Pull the hands down and the club will release automatically to hip high on the follow thorough.

Practice this movement continuously back and forth.Make sure you brush the grass at impact every time.

Focusing and practicing this will give you the correct feeling you need. Accelerate the hands on the down swing is the main objective, let the arms and shoulder turn support this feeling.

A good start when hitting balls on the range is to do the exercise with the feet together, all the emphasis is on the swing of the club head with the hands.

Lastly, your hands are the club face, so what ever they do, the club face will do exactly the same.