Beginning from the top of your back swing, feel your arms starting to straighten out, fully extending upon impact. (Jeff White/WorldGolf.com)

Increase your club head speed for greater distance, better ball striking

By Les Miller,
Contributor

Club head speed is the key to greater distance and solid ball striking. But where does speed come from? Well, speed comes from more than one part of your golf swing. The following tips will improve your distance and ball striking.

First, a faster golf swing starts with the proper grip. Both hands need to work together. The V's between the thumb and forefingers of both hands should point toward your back shoulder. Next, make sure you grip the club lightly. Sam Sneed always said, "Grip the club like you are holding a small bird in your hands: strong enough to keep hold of the bird but soft enough not to hurt it." Gripping too tightly is the No.1 reason most average golfers struggle with club head speed.

Next, extend your arms through the impact area. As you feel the club head strike the ball your arms should be fully extended upon impact. Most average golfers tend to pull the club in toward their body as they strike the ball. This actually slows your swing, leading to distance loss and mis-hits.

Finally, fast club head speed always results from fast hips moving correctly during the down swing. As the front hip clears correctly during the down swing, the golf club acts as a slingshot, releasing energy with great centrifugal force during impact. The sequence of events should be:

1. Start with the proper grip, just enough pressure to hold onto the club with both hands working together.

2. Beginning from the top of your back swing, feel your arms starting to straighten out, fully extending upon impact.

3. On the down swing, as you feel your weight shift from your back foot toward the target, let your front hip open as fast as possible. This move will encourage your hands to naturally release the club head during impact.

September 4, 2009

Les Miller was a longtime Golf Writers of America member who covered golf instruction for several newspapers and golf publications. His many years of experience as a golf professional, director of product development and tour relations for several major golf companies gave him a unique background and ability to help golfers increase their enjoyment of the game.