How to Power Your Golf Swing

Proper mechanics and a firm angle will add power to your golf swing.

A common misconception in golf is that the harder you swing, the farther you'll hit the ball. The truth is, all the force in the world isn't going to help if your swing mechanics are incorrect. Power in a golf swing is produced by the angle of the club face and an even tempo through impact. You will hit the ball longer with a smooth, natural swing and proper mechanics than you will with improper mechanics, even if you swing as hard as you can.

Instructions

1. Address the ball so that the sole of the clubhead is flush against the ground. This dictates the correct angle of the club and how far you should stand from the ball. The parameters vary for each club in your golf bag.

2. Set your feet so that the ball is in the correct position in relation to your stance. The ball should be closer to your back foot for wedges and short irons, an equal distance between both feet for mid-irons and closer to your front foot for long irons and woods.

3. Take the club back towards your dominant side to begin your back swing.

4. Cock your wrists to a 90-degree angle midway through your backswing; this is crucial for achieving power in your swing. Cocking your wrists delofts the club at impact and forces your hands to power through the ball.

5. Rotate your hips in correlation with your arms. Don't slide your hips or leave them stationary and keep both feet firmly planted.

6. Begin your down swing, leading with the grip of the club towards the ball, rotating your hips back and maintaining the angle in your wrists.

7. Swing through the ball so your hands are in front of the ball at impact. This angle and motion through the ball will create force and power.

8. Rotate your hips through the ball and towards your target, swinging the club to your less dominant side and lifting your back heel off the ground. The length of your follow through should mirror the length of your backswing.

Tips & Warnings

• The apex of your backswing should never exceed a parallel line to the ground. Taking the club back too far can cause you to lose force and alter proper mechanics. Once you're confident and comfortable with your swing, start increasing your tempo for more power. If you find yourself sacrificing proper mechanics for more speed, slow down your swing.

• Stretch before swinging a golf club and never make any moves that put unnecessary strain on your body. If your wrists aren't comfortable at a 90-degree angle, change the angle.

References

• Golf.com: Golf Swing Tips to Boost Power
• Golf Swing Feeling: A Power Golf Swing For You