DRILL: GRIP THE HANDLE MORE IN YOUR FINGERS Grip changes are universally loathed, but this adjustment is crucial for speed. Rest the handle more in the fingers of both hands ( far left ) instead of mostly in your palms. This provides a lot of freedom when you swing. To test it, hold the club in the fingers of your gloved hand and let your arm hang by your side ( left ). Note how you can move the club with just your hand and wrist. Your arm doesn’t have to move like it does when you rest the club in your palms. Also experiment with grip styles that promote more suppleness. I use a “double overlap.” The pinky and ring finger of my right hand are on top of my gloved hand. Give it a try.
FEEL: STAND TALLER AND
MORE RELAXED How you address a ball greatly impacts your ability to swing the club fast and free. One thing I learned a few years ago as I chased more speed, especially off the tee, is that you’re way better off feeling relaxed at setup than if you stand rigidly over the ball – which is how I was taught as a kid to get into my address posture. I now stand more upright with my rear end tucked underneath my slightly rounded shoulders ( right ). To stay loose, I’m always moving before I swing, especially my feet. Standing taller and more relaxed when you address the ball will help the fluidity of your swing. Getting all tense and hunched over is a real speed killer.
GOLF DIGEST SOUTH AFRICA 27
MAY 2024
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