Instruction

Aiming For A Late Release Point

Published

13 years ago

Jul 8, 2013

The term “release” is heavily used in golf instruction. But what does it mean, and what is actually releasing?

Well, the club releases, or more specifically, rotates around an axis located at the golfer’s hands during the forward swing. OK, but the million-dollar question is how or what releases it? This is important because the timing of this release relates to the golfer’s ability to deliver speed to the club head and also to achieve a bottom to the swing which is sufficiently to the golfer’s left side, essential for delivering a descending blow upon the ball.

What causes the club to release?

Imagine a figure skater holding a golf club out at arms length with the shaft cocked back fully at the wrists, parallel to the ground. Now imagine the skater spinning in place. This type of rotation would not suffice to cause the club to release around the hands. The club would stay cocked back at an approximately 90 degree angle from the left arm. So, rather than with the rotation of the body around the spine, the golfer causes the club to release around the hands with a burst of acceleration created with the arms.

Arm action in detail

In the backswing, the golfer swings the left arm up and across the chest from the shoulder joint, simultaneously bending the right arm to an approximately 90 degree angle. In the forward swing, the golfer releases the left arm back down and across the chest with the powerful straightening action of the right arm adding support and speed. This acceleration of the hands OUTWARD from the body’s center literally forces the wrists to un-cock and the club to release around the hands.

In the swings of virtually all great ball-strikers, the right arm will become fully extended AFTER IMPACT. So then, to keep the club “lagging” behind the hands so that we may achieve that same elusive “late release” used in great swings, then we must swing the left arm back across the chest from the left shoulder socket, again, strengthened by the straightening push of the right arm, at the proper time.

When then?

Imagine the face of an upside-down clock in front of you, tilted so that your arms and club rest on the face. Your upper sternum, where your tie knot would sit, is the center of this clock. In great swings, the right arm will become fully extended when the hands reach approximately 5 o’clock on the dial. There is little variance among the greats in this regard. At this time, the right arm will point to a spot on the ground, on the line of the swing, a few feet ahead of the left foot.

Above: Three-time major championship winner Nick Price.

How do we do it?

Traditionally, we are told to “hold” the wrists to retain the wrist-cock angle in the downswing to achieve the properly “late” release. But the golfer need not consciously do anything active with the wrists in the forward swing. The release of the club around the wrists can be allowed to happen freely, fostered by relatively light grip pressure. Indeed, it is doubtful that the human wrists are typically capable of resisting their bending, which results from the force of the specific arm action described here. Nor, for that matter, are the wrists strong enough to add speed to their inevitable un-cocking.

Not just when, but where?

Suppose rather than focusing on when we release the arms, we focus on where we release them. Specifically, where to. As noted, when the right arm straightens efficiently, it will point to a spot on the line of the swing which is a few feet or so ahead of the left foot. So then, let us aim to forcefully straighten our right arm directly toward that point, an aiming point, if you will. This approach has been presented before in golf instruction, but I believe that the specific procedure presented here is most effective and will be clear where others have left confusion.

The action is an athletic motion, following a specific sequence, and is used in countless sports with only minor variations. First, the lower body leads, the knees and hips striding toward the objective, followed by a turning of the body, hips first, ultimately super-charging the final blow, delivered by a punching extension of the right arm. We might refer to this three-step sequence simply as “stride, turn, extend.” But of course, in an efficient golf swing, the right hand does not move linearly, but rather the hands follow a somewhat circular arc around the body, due to the swing of the straight left arm from its socket and the turn of the body itself. This is a case where the golfer’s intention will bring the desired result.

All you really need to know about “the release” is that when the right arm successfully points to the selected aiming point when fully extended, then the club will release around the hands at the ideal time, the club shaft reaching vertical to the ground and thus, its low point, in-line with the left shoulder. The player who flips, or causes the club to release around the hands prematurely, has straightened his right arm prematurely, in which case the arm will “come up short” and point BEHIND the aiming point when extended. Only more detrimental to the efficiency of the swing is when the right arm never becomes forcibly straight at all. Full arm extension is fundamental to power in sports for the thrower, puncher and swinger alike. The use of high speed video, ideally with a skilled teaching pro, will provide the most reliable feedback as you learn to execute this movement. An efficient full-power release MUST include FULL extension of the right arm AFTER IMPACT!

“Releasing THROUGH the point”

In the sport of javelin, the thrower is coached to “release through the point.” This means that the throwing hand should move linearly, in the straight direction that the javelin is pointing. The golfer should have the same INTENTION to effectively execute the Aiming Point Procedure described here.

Here is a practice drill that you can do using an alignment rod, wooden dowel or the like. Simply load your right arm back to an approximately 90 degree angle, simulating the top of the backswing position. Now, leading with the body, forcefully extend the right arm directly to the pre-selected Aiming Point, releasing hold of the rod just before full extension.

Here we see Hall of Famer Tom Watson with the right arm cocked back 90 degrees, still well into the forward swing. On the right side, you can see that when the right arm becomes fully extended, the hands have reached 5 o’clock on the dial. The spot on the line of the swing that the right arm points to at this time constitutes the Aiming Point.

This efficient swinging action results in the club shaft releasing to a position vertical to the ground, when the left arm itself is vertical, in-line with the left shoulder.

Summary

What has been presented here is a specific procedure designed to produce an efficient release of the club around the hands in the forward swing. An efficient full-power release sees the club’s shaft reach a vertical position, the club head reaching its low point, in-line with the left shoulder. This will reliably happen when the right arm reaches full extension when the hands reach the 5 o’clock position.

So then, the Aiming Point Procedure is as follows: After the completion of the back swing, begin the forward swing with the intention to accelerate the hands in a STRAIGHT LINE directly to the pre-selected Aiming Point, which is the point on the line of the swing which is where the right arm POINTS when the hands reach 5 o’clock on the dial. This INTENDED straight line path of the hands follows an approximately 45 degree angle, relative to the ground. The Aiming Point Procedure may be successfully employed for ALL swings with ALL clubs where the right arm has bent in the back swing.

Instruction

How to play your best golf when the temperature drops

Published

3 months ago

Feb 3, 2026

Brendon Elliott

The LPGA Tour is kicking off its 2026 season this week at Lake Nona Golf and Country Club in Orlando, and the pros are dealing with something most Florida golfers rarely face: freezing temperatures.

“It’s colder here than in the UK at the minute, which is a first,” said England’s Charley Hull during Wednesday’s media day at the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions.

Even Lydia Ko, who lives at Lake Nona, seemed surprised by the cold snap. “We’re pretty much getting to below zero in celsius here, which maybe in other parts of the country they would be thankful, but when you’re in Florida it is a little bit of a surprise,” she said.

If the world’s best players are adjusting their games for cold weather, recreational golfers should, too. Here’s how to play smart when the mercury drops.

Understand What Cold Does to Your Game

Before you change anything, you need to know what you’re fighting against. Cold air is denser than warm air, which means your ball won’t fly as far. Period.

Hull noticed this immediately during practice rounds at Lake Nona. She mentioned hitting a gap wedge into the 18th hole during a previous win but needing a 4-iron during Tuesday’s practice round. That’s a difference of four or five clubs for the same shot.

Action item: Expect to lose 5-10 yards on every club in your bag when temperatures dip below 50 degrees. Plan accordingly and don’t be stubborn about club selection.

Layer Up Without Restricting Your Swing

Hull admitted she wore three pairs of pants during practice. While that might be extreme for most of us, staying warm is critical to playing well in cold conditions.

Your muscles need warmth to function properly. When you’re cold, your body tightens up and your swing gets shorter and faster. Neither of those things help you hit good golf shots.

Action item: Wear multiple thin layers instead of one bulky jacket. Look for golf-specific cold weather gear that stretches with your swing. Keep hand warmers in your pockets between shots. And don’t forget a good hat because you lose significant body heat through your head.

Take More Club Than You Think You Need

This is where ego gets in the way of good scores. When it’s cold, the ball doesn’t compress as well off the clubface. Combined with denser air, you’re looking at serious distance loss.

The pros at Lake Nona are dealing with a course that measures 6,642 yards but plays much longer this week. If they’re adjusting, you should too.

Action item: Take at least one extra club on every approach shot. In temperatures below 40 degrees, consider taking two extra clubs. It’s better to fly the ball to the back of the green than to come up short in a bunker.

Adjust Your Expectations on the Greens

Cold weather affects putting in ways most golfers don’t consider. The ball is harder and doesn’t roll as smoothly. Your hands are cold, making it harder to feel the putter. And if there’s any moisture on the greens, they’ll be slower than normal.

Ko mentioned that she still sometimes reads the greens wrong at Lake Nona despite being a member for years. Cold weather makes that challenge even tougher.

Action item: Hit putts more firmly than usual. The ball needs extra speed to hold its line on cold greens. Take a few extra practice strokes to get a feel for the speed before you putt.

Embrace the Mental Challenge

Hull said something interesting about cold weather golf: “I like the mental toughness of it.”

That’s the right attitude. Everyone on the course is dealing with the same conditions. The player who stays patient and doesn’t get frustrated by the extra difficulty will come out ahead.

Action item: Lower your expectations by a few strokes. If you normally shoot 85, accept that 90 might be a good score in 40-degree weather. Focus on solid contact and smart decisions rather than perfect shots.

Warm Up Longer and Smarter

This might be the most important tip of all. Cold muscles are tight muscles, and tight muscles get injured easily.

World No. 1 Jeeno Thitikul revealed she’s been protecting a wrist injury that bothered her late last season. Cold weather makes those kinds of injuries more likely if you don’t prepare properly.

Action item: Spend at least 20 minutes warming up before your round. Start with stretching, then hit easy wedge shots before working up to your driver. Keep moving between shots on the course to maintain body heat and flexibility.

The pros at Lake Nona this week will adapt and compete at the highest level despite the cold. You can do the same at your local course by following these tips and keeping a positive attitude.

PGA Professional Brendon Elliott is an award-winning coach and golf writer. You can check out his writing work and learn more about him by visiting BEAGOLFER.golf and OneMoreRollGolf.com. Also, check out “Playing Through” now on R.org, RG.org’s partner site, each Monday.

Editor’s note: Brendon shares his nearly 30 years of experience in the game with GolfWRX readers through his ongoing tip series. He looks forward to providing valuable insights and advice to help golfers improve their game. Stay tuned for more tips!

Instruction

3 lessons from Brooks Koepka that’ll actually lower your score

Published

3 months ago

Feb 2, 2026

Brendon Elliott

Brooks Koepka is back on the PGA Tour, and whether you love him or hate him, the guy knows how to win when it matters. After his LIV Golf stint, the five-time major champion returns this week at the Farmers Insurance Open.

What makes Koepka fascinating? He doesn’t fit the mold. His swing isn’t textbook. He doesn’t obsess over mechanics. Yet he’s won three PGA Championships and two U.S. Opens, regularly making it look easier than guys with prettier swings.

So, what can average golfers learn from someone who treats the game so differently? Quite a bit.

Stop Overthinking Every Shot

Koepka describes his approach as “reactionary” rather than mechanical. While most tour pros grind over swing thoughts, Brooks sees the target and hits it. No mental checklist.

This might be the most valuable lesson for weekend golfers who’ve watched too many YouTube swing videos.

How to actually do this:

On the range, hit five balls where you stare at the target for three seconds prior to addressing the ball. Don’t think about grip or stance. Just burn that target into your brain. You’ll be shocked at how pure you hit it when your brain focuses on where the ball is going instead of how you’re swinging.

Next time you play, give yourself a rule: Once you pull the club, you’ve got 15 seconds to hit. Koepka is one of the fastest players on tour because he doesn’t give his brain time to sabotage him.

If you feel tension in your hands at address, you’re trying to control too much. Koepka’s grip pressure is famously light. Loosen up until the club almost feels like it might slip, then add just enough pressure to hold on. That’s your swing thought: soft hands, see the target.

This approach works better under pressure. When you’re standing over that shot with water left and OB right, the last thing you need is a mental checklist. See it, feel it, hit it.

Play to Your Strengths (Even If They’re Not Pretty)

Koepka uses a strong grip that wouldn’t pass muster in some teaching circles. But he’s built his game around what works for him, elite driving distance and recovery skills. He doesn’t try to be someone he’s not.

Here’s how to build your game like Brooks:

Look at your last five rounds and figure out where you’re actually gaining strokes. Bombing it off the tee, but can’t hit greens? Lean into it. Play courses where distance matters more than precision. On tight holes, grip down on your 3-wood instead of trying to thread a driver through a keyhole you’ll miss seven times out of ten.

Koepka knows he can scramble, so he’s not afraid to miss greens. If you’re deadly from 50 to 75 yards, start leaving yourself those distances on the par 5’s instead of going for them in two every time.

Know when to take your medicine. Koepka in the trees at the PGA? He’s punching out to 100 yards, not trying to bend a 6-iron around three oaks. You’re in the rough with a flyer lie and water short? Hit your 8-iron to the middle and move on. That’s not playing scared, that’s playing smart.

Save Your Best for When It Counts

Here’s a wild stat: Koepka’s putting average in majors is often more than a full stroke better per round than in regular events. He elevates when pressure is highest.

How does an amateur tap into that gear? It’s not about trying harder, it’s about caring differently.

Here’s what actually works:

Decide which rounds matter to you. Club championship? Member-guest? That annual trip with college buddies? Circle those dates and treat them differently. Koepka doesn’t care much about regular tour events, but majors? That’s when he locks in.

Two weeks before your big round, change your practice. Stop beating balls mindlessly. Play nine holes in which every shot has consequences. Miss the fairway? Hit from the rough on the next hole too. Three-putt? Twenty push-ups. Koepka’s practice intensity ramps up before majors because he’s rehearsing pressure, not just swings.

Develop a between-shot routine that resets your brain. Koepka is famous for his blank expression after bad shots. Try this: After any shot, take three deep breaths while walking, then find something specific to notice, a tree, a cloud, someone’s shirt. That’s your reset button. By the time you reach your ball, the last shot is gone.

The Bottom Line

Brooks Koepka’s return reminds us there’s no single path to success in golf. His “substance over style” approach proves that results matter more than looking good.

You don’t need a perfect swing; you need a reliable one that holds up under pressure. You don’t need to hit every shot in the book; you need the shots you can count on. And you don’t need to play great every time; you need to play great when it matters.

Welcome back, Brooks. Thanks for the reminder that golf is ultimately about getting the ball in the hole, not winning style points.

Instruction

What we can learn from Blades Brown’s impressive American Express performance

Published

3 months ago

Jan 29, 2026

Brendon Elliott

Blades Brown made a big impression last week in the California desert, and not just because he’s only 18. He put up numbers that would catch any weekend golfer’s attention. Most of us won’t hit 317-yard drives or find 86% of our greens in regulation, but there’s a lot to learn from how Brown managed his game at The American Express.

Here are three practical lessons from his performance that you can use on your own course this weekend.

Step 1: Give Priority to Accuracy Over Distance Off The Tee

Brown’s driving stats are impressive. He averaged almost 318 yards off the tee, ranking 12th in the field. More importantly, he hit 76.79% of his fairways, tying for fourth place in the tournament.

Think about that ratio for a second. Brown could have swung harder, chased more distance and tried to overpower the course. Instead, he played smart golf and kept his ball in play.

Your Action Item: Next time you’re on the tee box, ask yourself a simple question before pulling the driver. Do you need maximum distance here, or do you need to be in the fairway? If there’s trouble lurking or the hole doesn’t demand every yard you can muster, take something off your swing. Grip down an inch. Make a three-quarter swing. Do whatever it takes to find the short grass. Brown’s approach illustrates that fairways lead to greens, and greens lead to birdies. He made 22 of them last week, along with an eagle.

The math is simple. When you’re hitting three out of every four fairways like Brown did, you’re giving yourself legitimate looks at the green with your approach shots. That’s when scoring happens.

Step 2: Commit To Hitting More Greens

This is where Brown really separated himself. He hit 62 of 72 greens in regulation, an 86.11% clip that tied for first in the entire field. Read that again. An 18-year-old kid tied for the lead in one of the most important ball-striking statistics in professional golf.

How did he do it? By keeping his ball in the fairway (see Step 1) and giving himself clean looks with mid-irons and wedges.

Your Action Item: Start tracking your greens in regulation. You don’t need a fancy app or a statistics degree. Just mark down whether you hit the green in the regulation number of strokes. Par 3s in one shot. Par 4s in two shots. Par 5s in three shots.

Once you know your baseline, set a goal to improve it by 10%. If you’re currently hitting five greens per round, aim for six. The beauty of this approach is that it forces you to think strategically about club selection and shot shape. Brown’s strokes gained approach number was positive (0.179), meaning he was better than the field average. You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to be on the dance floor more often.

When you hit more greens, you eliminate the need for heroic short game shots. Brown only had to scramble 10 times all week, and he got up and down 70% of the time. That’s solid, but the real story is that he rarely put himself in scrambling situations to begin with.

Step 3: Minimize Mistakes And Stay Patient

Here’s the stat that jumps off the page: Brown made only three bogeys all week. Three. In four rounds of professional golf against the best players in the world.

He also made just one double bogey. That kind of clean card doesn’t happen by accident. It happens when you play within yourself, avoid the big miss and trust that pars are never bad scores.

Your Action Item: Before your next round, decide that you’re going to play boring golf. No hero shots over water. No driver on tight holes just because you can. No aggressive pins when there’s a safe side of the green.

Brown’s performance shows us that consistency beats flash every single time. He didn’t lead the field in any single strokes gained category, but he was solid across the board. That’s how you post numbers and cash checks.

Give these three steps a try. Your scorecard will thank you.

PGA Professional Brendon Elliott is an award-winning coach and golf writer. You can check out his writing work and learn more about him by visiting BEAGOLFER.golf and OneMoreRollGolf.com. Also, check out “The Starter” now on R.org, RG.org’s partner site, each Monday.