Instruction
How to actually stay down through the shot
Most serious golfers have seen slow-motion video of Tiger Woods or some other tour pro who moves his or her body down in the moments before impact. Those players actually lower what is called their “center,” or upper body on the downswing. But rarely, if ever, do amateurs make the same move.
In fact, many amateurs rise up during the same portion of the swing. And when they do, some well-meaning friend will often tell them to “stay down through the shot.” It’s good advice, but it almost always falls on deaf ears.
Above: What it looks like when a golfer “rises up” at impact
Why? Well, because staying in your posture, or moving down is much easier said than done. Professionals do it because they are in a position to do it. By that, I mean that they have the golf club moving on an angle that allows them to stay down. At the top of the swing, most professionals “re-plane” the golf club. That is, they lower the club onto their original shaft plane position (or close to it), which allows them to move aggressively through the ball.
The reason most amateurs stand up or “bail out” as I call it, is because they usually have the club at an angle that is too steep. If you have seen your swing on video and the grip end of the golf club is pointing at the ground during the transition, you have little to no chance of “staying down.” That’s because if you do, you will stick the club straight into the ground.
Above: This steep angle of the club shaft created by an improper transition is the cause for several impact flaws.
To avoid this steep angle of attack you do the sensible thing, bailing out as you approach impact. Almost EVERYONE finds a way to avoid hitting the ground, and if the club transitions very steeply bailing out is a good way to do it. And that’s a fine fix until some well-meaning member of your group tells you to “stay down, man.”
The other fix is to “back up,” which is the common fix for more experienced players. Golfers always hear about “turning through, getting to their left side and following through,” etc. But if the club starts down too vertical, a golfer only has two choices: to bail out or back up. Backing up is a term I have for when a golfer tilts his or her upper body away for the ball. It shallows out the shaft plane and helps them avoid hitting the ground. But it is an ineffective form of bailing out because it does not allow a golfer to apply as much force to the golf club.
So how can you get the golf club on a angle that will allow you to swing aggressively through the ball, really going down and “getting it” like tour players? Well, when you get to the top of the swing and begin your downswing, the golf club has to get lower or shallower. Players have different keys for doing this, and you have to find your own. But one you may see at the top of the swing is players doing is this:
Your right (or rear) elbow has to move forward, more toward the target line. And you can’t move the whole unit, just the rear elbow (get up right now and try that, because it’s harder than it sounds). Go to the top of your swing, and move the elbow in front of you. If you did it right, you will see the right wrist flex and the left wrist flatten. That means you have just put the golf club in a position from where you can “stay down” through the shot.
When many golfers first put this move into practice, they often hit some topped shots. This is because these golfers have flattened the plane of the shaft, but they are still bailing out of the shot, a leftover behavior. But when they stay with it, they soon start to feel what turning through the shot and keeping their posture feels like.
A good check point might be this: If you see yourself on video, you may want to have the grip end of the club pointed at or slightly outside the golf ball at the halfway-down point. Your attack angle will shallow and you’ll be hitting it like the big boys, moving down through the shot.
As always, feel free to send a swing video to my Facebook page and I will do my best to give you my feedback.
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!
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.
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!
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.
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!
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Dennis
Jan 4, 2016 at 8:07 pm
What about weight shift to left side first?
David
Dec 31, 2015 at 2:42 am
A very thoughtful piece of instruction. My ball striking is good at times but goes “off” when I get too vertical and commence “backing up” or “standing up”. A variety of undesired consequences can follow. I am going to try this rear elbow movement. Hopefully more bang for my buck. Keep you posted. Happy New Year!
Sayan
Jul 8, 2015 at 10:39 am
This move has helped me a lot. I tried to get into the position of the Tiger pic by moving my right shoulder down to the ball and the left shoulder in the opposite direction (rotate the shoulders around the spine). The club head would lag and then release. This worked but is a more vertical swing so the margin of error is small – if my spine angle changed. With laying the club back first with the elbow move, I simply turn my left hip away and keep the head behind using the left neck muscles (otherwise there is a danger of spinning out). This is giving me more margin for error and the contact is much less dependent on timing.
Two small problems: This tends to produce a little more draw and the ball starts out a little more to the right (hit a few trees that force you to fade). With the vertical swing I could start the ball along the line. Also I seem to lose a little distance. However, this allows me to be much more consistent. Thank you.
Matty D
May 19, 2015 at 9:00 am
Hello Dennis Clark
I resently started starting making this move and it’s been night and day for my golf swing. It’s really really coming around. With good balance I can hit skiing short irons. With great distance.
My only question is my Driver (I’m 6’3″ 190lbs)
My slice came back, the end of the club was about 6-10inchs away from my waist.
After moving the end of the club father away from my waist I was able to straighten the driver again.
I’m kinda puzzled by this one? Do you or anyone else on here have an opinion on this?
Or dose this sounds like a case of different stroks for different folks?
Matty D
May 19, 2015 at 8:33 am
I agree this is great and Yes this is how “the big boys do it”
Tony P
Feb 13, 2015 at 9:00 am
Dennis recently analyzed my swing via his email system and it was awesome. It clearly showed my swing doing the exact things mentioned in this article ( maybe I was the inspiration? ) In any event, I’ve been working really hard to not rise up and shallow out my angle of attack during my downswing. The tips mentioned here are invaluable and nothing but high praise for Mr. Clark. Keep the tips coming sir.
Cottora
Dec 5, 2014 at 12:30 pm
This is a really good article that helped me visualize an issue I have. One thought that seems to work for me.
When you get to the top of the backswing pretend you are holding a Frisbee with your right index and thumb. Now, how can you sling the Frisbee to the target? You must drive the inside of your right elbow hard towards the target before and while releasing which will flatten or lay down your arm.
Dmitri
Mar 14, 2014 at 7:50 am
Nice article! I also would like to add that the steep angle of attack/over the top is many times caused by poor lower body movement and initiation in the transition, causing what is called “early extension” where the hips thrust towards the ball, resulting in the upper body rising up and going backwards like Dennis explained. Getting physically screened, like a TPI golf screen, could be very beneficial in discovering what your body can or can’t physically do.
cydtazz
Jan 3, 2014 at 10:20 pm
Great article Dennis!
Sadly some will never get it.
Mark
Dec 23, 2013 at 10:18 am
Isn’t this elbow move the same “Magic Move” that Harvey Penick talked about in his Little Red Book almost 20 years ago now?
Dennis Clark
Dec 30, 2013 at 3:18 pm
Actually 21 years, there is a 20th anniversary edition out in fact. Mr Penick taught for many years in Austin, Tex. He loved a flat swing that produced a low draw shot because that was the preferred ball flight of Texas players. So the club getting stuck to steeply would have ben a cardinal sin-particularly in that part of the world. Many kids who turn pro from that area have to learn to hit the ball higher when they tour.
Yea
Dec 13, 2013 at 1:02 pm
I like to stamp down like the old fashioned way. The lifting of the front foot on the backswing will make you stamp down and attack the ball at through the hit. It works.
Martin
Dec 2, 2013 at 7:56 pm
Great article. Now I can tell my friend why he sometimes “bail out” :)In “The Slot Swing” Jim Mclean gives this “magic move” a very understandable explanation. In short: when you push your left hip forward a few inches from a good at the top of the swing position the club shaft will automatically fall into a more flat and inside angle, making it easier to find “the slot”, ie a good impact. I dont know if Dave is with me on this, but it works well for me (most of the time :))
Dennis Clark
Dec 3, 2013 at 4:10 pm
Who is Dave?
Jeff
Oct 4, 2014 at 5:45 pm
Dave is Dave Dennis. You answer the question “who is Dave?” And you’ll have found the holy grail of golf secrets.
Dennis Clark
Oct 4, 2014 at 9:04 pm
I can’t remember why I asked about Dave whoever he may be…my 50 year holy grail quest led me back to the earth. Everything else is show biz as they say. ????
JP Sartre
Dec 16, 2015 at 8:37 pm
The burning existential question is not so much “who” is Dave, as “why” is Dave?
Joe
Nov 26, 2013 at 1:28 pm
It doesnt matter what dennis myers says
Jack
Nov 26, 2013 at 12:29 am
For me the difference is feeling like I am maintaining my spine angle. That keeps me down and through. The scrunching down feel works too. But down forget the forward weight shift or its chunk city like a prior poster said.
k
Nov 24, 2013 at 5:21 am
Never listen to a man with stock shafts…
ZC
Nov 22, 2013 at 2:57 pm
Just watched the sacho Mckenzie video on you tube – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iuJaSM7Kexw
Really interesting stuff, strikes me as one of the keys in generating ‘whip-like’ yet relaxed club head speed. and more importantly for me, an easier way to square the clubface using natural torque and not forcing it with forearm muscles
ZC
Nov 22, 2013 at 2:18 pm
Thanks for this article Dennis – I have noticed tour pros ‘re-plane- the club at transition but though this move is done actively using the wrists. It seems much more simple if you just move the elbow as you transition down as this will position the hands and club for you?
I also come out of posture and have been trying for months to not early extend…hope this tip will help, although I also think my left hip rotation could be better (also doing rehab exercises for it) which is why I don’t stay down ands though it as well as I’d like.
Will give this tip a good go though!
ZC
Nov 22, 2013 at 2:20 pm
Sorry, I meant ‘but thought this move was done…’
Michael
Nov 22, 2013 at 8:42 am
I am not understanding elbow forward. Is Dennis saying that the elbow is supposed to be ahead of the club handle on the downswing? Confused.
Dennis Clark
Nov 22, 2013 at 10:17 am
The center of mass of the golf club should fall below the plane of the hand path. Ala Sergio Garcia. Research Sasho Mackenzie. Great golf research scientist from Canada.
TheLegend
Nov 22, 2013 at 12:37 am
You actually cant stay down. Thats not how the body works. You can however shrink like tiger or jack while rotating. When David Duval was in his prime he would not even be looking at the ball at the moment of impact. Saying stay down is very bad advice.
Dan
Nov 22, 2013 at 12:58 am
As oposed to coming up out of the shot. Did you even read this?
naflack
Nov 22, 2013 at 2:20 am
Staying down equals chunk city for me, ironically my swing looks allot like the Annika/Duval move. I’m guessing this applies more to those who literally come out of the shot.
bainz69
Nov 21, 2013 at 4:02 pm
Why did no-one tell me this when I first took up golf?? Is this move of the elbow really the ‘magic move’ us amateurs have been looking for (for a long time in my case)??
Dennis Clark
Nov 21, 2013 at 7:45 pm
Depends. Remember that one plane swings have the club into the delivery position at the top and in the transition. Those who swing it up more need to “replane” in transition hence more need for the elbow forward bit.
bainz69
Nov 22, 2013 at 8:04 pm
So hackers have club above hand plane and chop down at the ball, whereas good golfers get it underneath hand plane and spin the clubhead out at the ball creating more speed and consistent hits??
Dennis Clark
Nov 24, 2013 at 1:17 pm
I would be more kind…”Average golfers” can struggle with club face squaring due the problem I discussed. When you can get the center of mass of the club under the hand plane (laid off)it is easier to square it. Squaring can achieved more “passively”.
Troy Vayanos
Nov 21, 2013 at 2:39 pm
Well explained Dennis,
This is something all Amateur golfers can work on.
Cheers
Vince
Nov 21, 2013 at 9:49 am
I’m gonna try this. Great article Dennis.
Philip
Nov 21, 2013 at 6:10 am
It is always amazing if you recognize your swing flaw and get an explanation why you do this and how to fix it.
The “bail-out” is my current problem and thanks to this article I have an idea what I have to correct.
Good job, thank you!