Developing a Better Release

One of the biggest problems I see on the lesson tee is golfers hanging on to the club and hitting the ball to the right. Much of this can be rectified simply by releasing the club. Release can be defined as “letting go,” which happens in the impact area where the toe of the club passes the heel. Unfortunately, because of hand, arm, and shoulder tension, as well as the tendency for most golfers to try to scoop the ball up in the air with their right hand, this becomes a very difficult task.
The release starts when the club reaches the waist-high down position. The club must approach from inside the target line if an efficient release is to occur. Good releasers of the club might feel like they are swinging in-to-out or to right field. This pattern will create the most consistency for amateur players.

Just after impact, the forearms will start rotating. Some golfers fly the left elbow away from their body after impact. This is often called a “chicken wing.” Keep the left arm on your chest to get the best release possible.

Most players could go a long way in improving their games simply by reducing the tension in their arms and hands and trying to release the club from inside the target line. Don’t be surprised if that slice disappears with a better release.