Golf Lessons with T.O.M.

Wrist load/Hip shift is a simple drill I use with a wedge, focusing on staying positioned over the ball while making as full an extension away from it as possible. I make sure my left arm is fully extended with a straight elbow and my wrists are fully loaded by the time my arm is level, or parallel with the ground. I try to stop the club at this position then make a slight weight shift with my hips toward the target, hesitating my upper body just long enough to allow additional stretching to take place across my front before bringing the club down into the ball. I begin every practice session this way, striking four shots as crsiply and solidly as I can, focusing on "pure contact,"all the while keeping my head down, without looking to see where the ball is going. When I do look up after the 5th shot - if the drill is done correctly - I will see the last ball land in a small area where the others came down. It's a simple, productive drill, and a great way to begin each session. It gets me off to a good start; one that translates to more solid shots as I widen out my swing and move on to longer clubs.

Wrist load is hugely important. You need to keep your left arm as straight as possible, making sure your wrists are fully loaded - 90 degrees to the line of your left arm is a good indicator. Keep your head over the ball as you move your hands, arms and shoulders away during your backswing. In order to create maximum power you need to restrict  your hip turn. You do this by preventing your left knee from moving, or pointing behind the ball.

Once into the hitting zone unload your wrists bringing the clubhead into the ball in a forceful and dramatic move, increasing the speed of your clubhead exponentially through the impact zone. Keep your head still throughout. It should remain over the impact zone after the ball is gone.

Just before you start the downswing, shift your lower body - knees and hips - slightly toward the target. This move tightens up the muscles across your chest, stomach and abdomen. This slight shift to the left "ratchets" everything up,  creating additional power as you begin the downswing. Lastly, hold your wrist load as long as you can, preserving the 90-degree angle until you're ready to release it all at once.

Lastly, make sure your right arm is fully extended after impact in order to keep the clubhead going on down the target line. This move is often referred to as the "chase move. It keeps your clubhead speed maxed out through impact and beyond.