Golf Industry Online Golf Tips

[an error occurred while processing this directive]

Give Your Swing Width & Create Power to Burn

BY MARK IMMELMAN

Consider this: Ben Hogan once stated that he "wished he had three right arms…" Why was that…? He understood that right arm held the key to power coupled with accuracy.  

If you are like any other golfer on the planet, you could use a little extra distance of the tee. Enhance the action of your right arm and you will be able to… Because the wider your golf swing is, the further you will hit the golf ball. Tiger Woods is a classic example of this phenomenon.  

Remember the following golfing equation: - Distance = Clubhead speed = Width. Hence, if you want to add those few extra yards, add width to your swing by improving the swinging action of your right arm! 

The Correct Action of the Right Arm

The action of the right arm in golf is the most misunderstood element of the golf swing. This is unfortunately to the detriment of most golfers.  

The right arm actually controls the width and the length of the golf swing, and it is the width (or the radius) of the back swing that gives the clubhead room to accelerate on the downswing. Obviously, if the clubhead has room to accelerate, it will reach optimal speed at impact - speed needed to project the golf ball maximum distances. 

The correct action of the right arm is very similar to that of a right-hander throwing a ball a long distance. In order to create maximum leverage, the thrower will not fold the right elbow too much. 

Ensuring the Correct Right Arm Action

Ensuring that you create ample width in your swing is as simple as this: Do not allow your right elbow to fold more than 90°'s, and you will have your right arm in the optimal position at the top of the back swing. That is, your right elbow should take the shape of the letter "L", and it should remain outside (to the right of) your right hip. 

If your right arm folds through 90°'s, your swing will become narrow and this generally leads to over swinging and loss of power. 

A Helpful Drill

Crook your left wrist upward, forming an "L" shape. As you hold a club in your right hand only, place your left wrist while in this "L" position underneath the right elbow so that you feel the sensation of your left wrist resisting the right elbow and pushing the elbow outward. Now make slow-motion swings with your right arm only while keeping the left wrist in position - you should notice how the resistance of the left wrist under the right elbow guides the right arm through a wide back swing into a powerful position at the top of the swing.

Good Golfing!