A common bit of advice heard in pro shops and driving ranges everywhere is: "Let the club do the work." The assumption is that struggling golfers need to find a way to swing the club with less effort, producing better results. The issue, however, is that many players really do not know how to use a club efficiently so that it can do the work. A brief look at the design of golf clubs - the irons in particular - can really help in understanding how to best utilize the club.
Pull any iron out of your bag, set-up at address and take a really close look at the club. Notice, purely by design, that the golf club is built with the handle (and therefore your hands) leading the club head at address, and it is even more critical that the handle leads the club head at the moment of impact.
A number of players would see significant improvement in their ball-striking by simply recognizing this fact, and then begin using the club as it is intended. Unfortunately, most golfers do just the opposite. They flip their hands through impact, making the club head lead the handle at impact, completely working against the club's design.
It might help to look at other tools that we use in our day-to-day lives to better understand how to use the golfing tool (golf club). For starters, grab a broom and sweep the floor. The handle leans forward, leading the bristles as we sweep. If the bristles pass the handle, the broom is no longer working for you. (It should be noted, too, that your spouse or significant other will like how your golf practice makes for a clean kitchen).
Another example: think of a painting brush. Imagine painting a horizontal stripe on a wall. Again, we see the handle leading the bristles. This is positive leverage at work. The bristles (like the club head) lag behind the handle. Can you see the same principle at work with a hammer? As soon as the hammerhead passes the handle there is no longer any force being applied to the nail.
Find a practice area and hit a number of small pitches and chips, making a point to strike the ball with your hands and handle leading the club head. By using the club as it is designed, you will be pleased to discover the ball popping off of the clubface with far less physical effort on your part. Now the club is truly doing the majority of the work.
- David Haugh is a PGA Teaching Professional and golf writer. He teaches at Argue-ment GC.
Pull any iron out of your bag, set-up at address and take a really close look at the club. Notice, purely by design, that the golf club is built with the handle (and therefore your hands) leading the club head at address, and it is even more critical that the handle leads the club head at the moment of impact.
A number of players would see significant improvement in their ball-striking by simply recognizing this fact, and then begin using the club as it is intended. Unfortunately, most golfers do just the opposite. They flip their hands through impact, making the club head lead the handle at impact, completely working against the club's design.
It might help to look at other tools that we use in our day-to-day lives to better understand how to use the golfing tool (golf club). For starters, grab a broom and sweep the floor. The handle leans forward, leading the bristles as we sweep. If the bristles pass the handle, the broom is no longer working for you. (It should be noted, too, that your spouse or significant other will like how your golf practice makes for a clean kitchen).
Another example: think of a painting brush. Imagine painting a horizontal stripe on a wall. Again, we see the handle leading the bristles. This is positive leverage at work. The bristles (like the club head) lag behind the handle. Can you see the same principle at work with a hammer? As soon as the hammerhead passes the handle there is no longer any force being applied to the nail.
Find a practice area and hit a number of small pitches and chips, making a point to strike the ball with your hands and handle leading the club head. By using the club as it is designed, you will be pleased to discover the ball popping off of the clubface with far less physical effort on your part. Now the club is truly doing the majority of the work.
- David Haugh is a PGA Teaching Professional and golf writer. He teaches at Argue-ment GC.
