One quick note to begin this month's edition - This tip is written with the right- handed golfer in mind so left-handed golfers should think about the flat right wrist.
As a result of my study in physics and geometry and their application to the golf swing, I can safely say that the flat left wrist at impact is the golfer's number one imperative due to the importance of distance and direction control required in the game. The flat left wrist at impact ensures precision and accuracy. This alignment does not apply to putting because in putting we do not need to get the ball in the air.
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By definition, a flat left wrist occurs when the knuckles, wrist, and forearm form a straight line (Picture # 1). Notice how the strait edge lies flat across the wrist in the picture. This alignment is achieved as a result of the golf ball being struck in a descending condition. If the golf ball is struck in a descending manner, the shaft of the golf club leans forward, or towards, the target at impact. The result of the shaft leaning forward is the flat left wrist. The condition of the forward leaning shaft and flat left wrist at impact is what separates the men from the boys during the moment of truth.
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Picture 1
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It is important to remember that effort does not equal power; therefore, please keep supple wrists and soft arms as well as a light grip pressure when working on the following drills that focus on the flat left wrist at impact:
1. Left Arm Only Chip - During this drill, hit short chips with only the left hand on the club. The golf ball should fly no more than 10 yards in the air during this drill. After the ball is struck, it is critical to hold the follow through with the shaft pointing at the ground immediately after impact.
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Picture 2
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2. Power chips - With both hands on a chip stick, my favorite short game tool, increase the chip motion to hit shots 20 yards in the air. Again, hold your follow through with the shaft pointing at the ground in the finish. See Picture # 2.
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3. The punch shot - This is a low flying pitch shot that travels about 40 yards in the air. Once again, it is critical in the follow through to not let the club head pass the hands. See Picture # 3.
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Picture 3
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In the golf swing, Lag is the most critical element for effortless power. Lag is simply defined as a trailing condition during the golf swing of the club head relative to the hands. The flat left wrist at impact is your number one alignment to sustaining the Lag.
Good luck with the drills, and if you need a chip stick gives us a call.
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Ted Frick
2005 Carolinas PGA Section Teacher of the Year
Owner / Director of Instruction
Classic Swing Golf School (Located at Legends Resort)
P.O. Box 50955
Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
(843) 903-5560
1-800-827-2656
tfrick@classicswing.com
www.classicswing.com
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