Instruction
The club face controls ball flight (and your swing, too)
Golfers hear a lot these days about new technology: the latest biomechanical revelations, 3-D findings, fitness training breakthroughs and so on. I think it’s great, because it’s important to stay on top of what the scientific community is discovering in this techno-age of our game. I have great respect for the folks who are dedicated enough to take on this vitally important work. But sometimes, as a teacher, I wonder if we are losing sight of the forest for the trees.
The forest, in my analogy, is the clubface — the part of the equation that makes the ball do what it does.
Impact is 0.0004 of a second when the face of the club (hopefully) meets the ball. It’s the mega-second of truth, where the “rubber meets the road” — or in our case where the urethane meets the metal. During that time, or halfway into that time I’m told, the ball gets its marching orders. It is programmed to do exactly what it does; nothing more, nothing less. And, in my experience, that “programming” needs to start very early in the swing.
Before I explain the next part, let me define a few terms I’m going to use:
- First Parallel: When we start the swing back, at some point the golf club reaches a parallel to the ground position.
- Last Parallel: When we swing down, at some point the golf club reaches parallel to the ground.
- Post-Impact Parallel (PIP): The position after impact when the club gets parallel to the ground.
Now here’s what we know about the club face. At the bottom of the swing arc, from about the last parallel to PIP, the club face is unwavering. There is little-to-nothing a player can do to influence it. It is pretty much a free-flying object at that time. So whatever we need to do to affect the face must be done well before the bottom of the arc. The safest way to build a repeating swing is to learn to keep the face square to the arc of the swing right from the takeaway, but particularly at the top of the swing. There is so little time between the top of the swing and the last parallel position that most players cannot consistently get the face to square. Of course there are great players who do not square the face at the top, but they are the exceptions to the rule and I don’t recommend it.
I see more golf swings ruined with an open or closed face at the top of the swing than for any other reason. In fact, I’d go so far as to say that most swing errors are clubface reactions in one way or another. I’ll get into a few examples below.
Open Face
You have an open face at the top, it’s likely you’ll do one of the following coming down:
- Come over the top.
- Cast the club (i.e. throw the club head throw away).
- Run the upper body ahead (to deal with the early release).
Closed Face
If you have a closed face at the top of the swing, it’s likely you’ll do one of the following:
- Swing in-to-out
- “Hold on” (i.e. the block release)
- Hang back (in an attempt to add loft)
These are just a few swing mistakes that can be traced to a clubface that is not “square” at the top of the swing. I put square in quotes because we have to remember that the face position we call square is actually 90 degrees open to the target due to the natural rotation of the body and arms in the back swing. It is square, however, to the arc on which it is swinging.
Square Face
Those of you who follow my writing or take lessons from me know that I am the ultimate anti-method teacher. It’s clear all the players pictured here play great from different positions at the top, but for mere mortals like you or me I highly advise the Adam Scott position. It is the only one that allows that coveted “one move through the ball” we’re all looking for in our swings. No hanging back, no flipping or coming over the top — just down and through, simple and direct.
Here’s the bottom line: We have known forever that the club face is what influences the ball. I hope you now have a better understanding of how it influences the player as well.
If you’d like me to analyze your swing, go to my Facebook page and send me a message, or contact me (dennisclarkgolf@gmail.com) about my online swing analysis program.
There may be no more painful affliction in golf than the “yips” – those uncontrollable and maddening little nervous twitches that prevent you from making a decent stroke on short putts. If you’ve never had them, consider yourself very fortunate (or possibly just very young). But I can assure you that when your most treacherous and feared golf shot is not the 195 yard approach over water with a quartering headwind…not the extra tight fairway with water left and sand right…not the soft bunker shot to a downhill pin with water on the other side…No, when your most feared shot is the remaining 2- 4-foot putt after hitting a great approach, recovery or lag putt, it makes the game almost painful.
And I’ve been fighting the yips (again) for a while now. It’s a recurring nightmare that has haunted me most of my adult life. I even had the yips when I was in my 20s, but I’ve beat them into submission off and on most of my adult life. But just recently, that nasty virus came to life once again. My lag putting has been very good, but when I get over one of those “you should make this” length putts, the entire nervous system seems to go haywire. I make great practice strokes, and then the most pitiful short-stroke or jab at the ball you can imagine. Sheesh.
But I’m a traditionalist, and do not look toward the long putter, belly putter, cross-hand, claw or other variation as the solution. My approach is to beat those damn yips into submission some other way. Here’s what I’m doing that is working pretty well, and I offer it to all of you who might have a similar affliction on the greens.
When you are over a short putt, forget the practice strokes…you want your natural eye-hand coordination to be unhindered by mechanics. Address your putt and take a good look at the hole, and back to the putter to ensure good alignment. Lighten your right hand grip on the putter and make sure that only the fingertips are in contact with the grip, to prevent you from getting to tight.
Then, take a long, long look at the hole to fill your entire mind and senses with the target. When you bring your head/eyes back to the ball, try to make a smooth, immediate move right into your backstroke — not even a second pause — and then let your hands and putter track right back together right back to where you were looking — the HOLE! Seeing the putter make contact with the ball, preferably even the forward edge of the ball – the side near the hole.
For me, this is working, but I am asking all of you to chime in with your own “home remedies” for the most aggravating and senseless of all golf maladies. It never hurts to have more to fall back on!
Over the last couple of decades, golf has become much more science-based. We measure swing speed, smash factor, angle of attack, strokes gained, and many other metrics that can really help golfers improve. But I often wonder if the advancement of golf’s “hard” sciences comes at the expense of the “soft” sciences.
Take, for example, golf instruction. Good golf instruction requires understanding swing mechanics and ball flight. But let’s take that as a given for PGA instructors. The other factors that make an instructor effective can be evaluated by social science, rather than launch monitors.
If you are a recreational golfer looking for a golf instructor, here are my top three points to consider.
1. Cultural mindset
What is “cultural mindset? To social scientists, it means whether a culture of genius or a culture of learning exists. In a golf instruction context, that may mean whether the teacher communicates a message that golf ability is something innate (you either have it or you don’t), or whether golf ability is something that can be learned. You want the latter!
It may sound obvious to suggest that you find a golf instructor who thinks you can improve, but my research suggests that it isn’t a given. In a large sample study of golf instructors, I found that when it came to recreational golfers, there was a wide range of belief systems. Some instructors strongly believed recreational golfers could improve through lessons. while others strongly believed they could not. And those beliefs manifested in the instructor’s feedback given to a student and the culture created for players.
2. Coping and self-modeling can beat role-modeling
Swing analysis technology is often preloaded with swings of PGA and LPGA Tour players. The swings of elite players are intended to be used for comparative purposes with golfers taking lessons. What social science tells us is that for novice and non-expert golfers, comparing swings to tour professionals can have the opposite effect of that intended. If you fit into the novice or non-expert category of golfer, you will learn more and be more motivated to change if you see yourself making a ‘better’ swing (self-modeling) or seeing your swing compared to a similar other (a coping model). Stay away from instructors who want to compare your swing with that of a tour player.
3. Learning theory basics
It is not a sexy selling point, but learning is a process, and that process is incremental – particularly for recreational adult players. Social science helps us understand this element of golf instruction. A good instructor will take learning slowly. He or she will give you just about enough information that challenges you, but is still manageable. The artful instructor will take time to decide what that one or two learning points are before jumping in to make full-scale swing changes. If the instructor moves too fast, you will probably leave the lesson with an arm’s length of swing thoughts and not really know which to focus on.
As an instructor, I develop a priority list of changes I want to make in a player’s technique. We then patiently and gradually work through that list. Beware of instructors who give you more than you can chew.
So if you are in the market for golf instruction, I encourage you to look beyond the X’s and O’s to find the right match!
Most pros take months, even years, to win their first tournament. Lottie Woad needed exactly four days.
The 21-year-old from Surrey shot 21-under 267 at Dundonald Links to win the ISPS Handa Women’s Scottish Open by three shots — in her very first event as a professional. She’s only the third player in LPGA history to accomplish this feat, joining Rose Zhang (2023) and Beverly Hanson (1951).
But here’s what caught my attention as a coach: Woad didn’t win through miraculous putting or bombing 300-yard drives. She won through relentless precision and unshakeable composure. After watching her performance unfold, I’m convinced every golfer — from weekend warriors to scratch players — can steal pages from her playbook.
Precision Beats Power (And It’s Not Even Close)
Forget the driving contests. Woad proved that finding greens matters more than finding distance.
What Woad did:
• Hit it straight, hit it solid, give yourself chances
• Aimed for the fat parts of greens instead of chasing pins
• Let her putting do the talking after hitting safe targets
• As she said, “Everyone was chasing me today, and managed to maintain the lead and played really nicely down the stretch and hit a lot of good shots”
Why most golfers mess this up:
• They see a pin tucked behind a bunker and grab one more club to “go right at it”
• Distance becomes more important than accuracy
• They try to be heroic instead of smart
ACTION ITEM: For your next 10 rounds, aim for the center of every green regardless of pin position. Track your greens in regulation and watch your scores drop before your swing changes.
The Putter That Stayed Cool Under Fire
Woad started the final round two shots clear and immediately applied pressure with birdies at the 2nd and 3rd holes. When South Korea’s Hyo Joo Kim mounted a charge and reached 20-under with a birdie at the 14th, Woad didn’t panic.
How she responded to pressure:
• Fired back with consecutive birdies at the 13th and 14th
• Watched Kim stumble with back-to-back bogeys
• Capped it with her fifth birdie of the day at the par-5 18th
• Stayed patient when others pressed, pressed when others cracked
What amateurs do wrong:
• Get conservative when they should be aggressive
• Try to force magic when steady play would win
• Panic when someone else makes a move
ACTION ITEM: Practice your 3-6 foot putts for 15 minutes after every range session. Woad’s putting wasn’t spectacular—it was reliable. Make the putts you should make.
Course Management 101: Play Your Game, Not the Course’s Game
Woad admitted she couldn’t see many scoreboards during the final round, but it didn’t matter. She stuck to her game plan regardless of what others were doing.
Her mental approach:
• Focused on her process, not the competition
• Drew on past pressure situations (Augusta National Women’s Amateur win)
• As she said, “That was the biggest tournament I played in at the time and was kind of my big win. So definitely felt the pressure of it more there, and I felt like all those experiences helped me with this”
Her physical execution:
• 270-yard drives (nothing flashy)
• Methodical iron play
• Steady putting
• Everything effective, nothing spectacular
ACTION ITEM: Create a yardage book for your home course. Know your distances to every pin, every hazard, every landing area. Stick to your plan no matter what your playing partners are doing.
Mental Toughness Isn’t Born, It’s Built
The most impressive part of Woad’s win? She genuinely didn’t expect it: “I definitely wasn’t expecting to win my first event as a pro, but I knew I was playing well, and I was hoping to contend.”
Her winning mindset:
• Didn’t put winning pressure on herself
• Focused on playing well and contending
• Made winning a byproduct of a good process
• Built confidence through recent experiences:
- Won the Women’s Irish Open as an amateur
- Missed a playoff by one shot at the Evian Championship
- Each experience prepared her for the next
What this means for you:
• Stop trying to shoot career rounds every time you tee up
• Focus on executing your pre-shot routine
• Commit to every shot
• Stay present in the moment
ACTION ITEM: Before each round, set process goals instead of score goals. Example: “I will take three practice swings before every shot” or “I will pick a specific target for every shot.” Let your score be the result, not the focus.
The Real Lesson
Woad collected $300,000 for her first professional victory, but the real prize was proving that fundamentals still work at golf’s highest level. She didn’t reinvent the game — she simply executed the basics better than everyone else that week.
The fundamentals that won:
• Hit more fairways
• Find more greens
• Make the putts you should make
• Stay patient under pressure
That’s something every golfer can do, regardless of handicap. Lottie Woad just showed us it’s still the winning formula.
FINAL ACTION ITEM: Pick one of the four action items above and commit to it for the next month. Master one fundamental before moving to the next. That’s how champions are built.
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” on RG.org 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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Kevin
Nov 5, 2016 at 11:34 am
Hello Dennis. I’m just now coming across this message board so forgive me if it seems outdated to respond. I’m a passionate golfer and have struggled with the shanks for years. When I’m at my best I shoot mid 70’s. However, my bad days are 90’s. It’s awful. One simply cannot play golf with the shanks. In fact, I do not subscribe to the old saying ‘a bad at golf is better than a good day at work.’ That is how awful it is for me. Humiliating and just so frustrating really. It amazes me how I can go out and play a round and shoot such a respectable score then follow it with total disaster. And I mean disaster where any observer would think I’ve never played before. I’m a long driver and seldom struggle with my driver. I’m left handed. I’ve seen 3 different pros who all stated they see me coming too far from the inside with a closed face and swinging outward to the left. I have corrected my overly strong grip to a more neutral. I practice in the mirror and see that I have a good top of the swing position, the back of my lead hand (right) is parallel with the club face. Then all hell breaks loose. I’ve worked so hard on my transition. I’ve even been told I have a good weight shift. But something is going wrong somewhere on the downswing to where I feel I have no control over the club face. I’ve used powder and see that by far my miss is towards the heel along with the hosel. Very seldom do I hit out towards the toe. I do occasionally come over the top but usually I’m too inside. I feel I would need a high speed camera like they have on telecasts to analyze what is happening to my grip (club face, and/or forearms) that is causing my to shank so horrifically. I know you probably need a video, just wanting to get a preview from you if this sounds like any other students you’ve had in all your experience. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Straightdriver235
Jan 20, 2015 at 10:57 am
This simply assumes too much… you are pitting Adam Scott versus Graeme McDowell… I’m not sure which I’d take on that, especially under pressure, but it strikes me McDowell has more attributes similar to the common golfer than does Scott… and Scott, for all his attributes is no Ben Hogan. It seems this is a rehash of square to square, which was covered many years ago. Everything comes and goes in cycles I guess.
Jakub
Jan 16, 2015 at 4:13 pm
Understanding this information is great however it can be assumed that most amateurs do not have the physical capabilities (functional strength, flexibility and balance) in order to attain the advised ‘Adam Scott’ position. I would recommend the author produce another article advising amateurs with physical limitations as to the possible positions optimal to performance.
Mike
Jan 5, 2015 at 3:11 pm
I have a fairly open face at the top and battle cutting across the line a little and have been known to nearly walk off the course because of getting a dose of the shanks. The thing I think that saves me is that I maintain a good wrist angle and release the club head on time nice and square to the target. Ahhh vile compensations….
Marlon Bran
Dec 29, 2014 at 4:47 am
Thanks for sharing .
Chris C
Dec 26, 2014 at 2:46 pm
I have read and reread this article in the hope that there might be a simple cure for my over the top and outside to inside swing. Alas! my search continues. I still do not grasp the idea of how my wrist position can alter my overall swing characteristics. I play off of an 8 hdcp and for the majority of my 55plus years of golfing play everything left to right. Last year I spent a great deal of time frustrating one of Wisconsin’s best instructors in an attempt to change the path of my swing. For me, face position did not alter my swing path one iota. Regardless, of face position, my swing path continued to come into the ball from the outside (indeed, from outside the mats } to the inside. What I did confirm was the dramatic impact on shot path. If my face angle was square, I hit nice controlled fades I my face angle opened up, I tended to hit low pulls to the left. If I closed the face, I would hit pathetically high slices. In short, face angle had dramatic impact on the flight path of my shots but no discernible impact on my swing path. I wish it had. I really, really, really wish it had.
golfing
Dec 26, 2014 at 3:03 pm
Did you see Mr. Dela Torre video?.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-hYlxnB5OM&t=24m0s
golfing
Dec 26, 2014 at 3:20 pm
Swing direction (circular plane) is what you need to fix.
The path, geometrical speaking is not direction, it as to
do with the set and release of the club.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H8u0QUQNtp8
Hold
Dec 26, 2014 at 8:40 pm
Dear Chris
Do you know how to hit a hook? (if you are right handed) aim way right, and try to hit a hook continuously at your next range session and only try to hit hooks. Aim so far right that your back is turned so away there is no way that you can have your body or the clubface opened to the target in any way.
And grip appropriately. If you have your clubfaced aimed at target and set up for a massive hook – you should be able to grip it appropriately. The problem with most people is that they refuse to “hold” the club any way other than how it feels “comfortable” or balanced the way want to hold it
Dennis Clark
Dec 28, 2014 at 10:20 pm
Hitting low pulls to the left with an open face is nearly impossible. When you say closed and open, do you mean to swing direction or target? Remember the target is irrelevant. It is only path to face that creates curve. Also Chris remember that 55 years of grooving a swing direction (not path) is a good long time. It may take a bit of time to change it…and change in terms of reaction would require a period of HOOKING not “hitting it better”. Also what are you trackman numbers please?
Dennis Clark
Dec 28, 2014 at 10:22 pm
Chris see below, I may responded to your comment in the wrong space.
Dave C
Dec 31, 2014 at 8:35 am
I think you can only visualize a fade in your mind. So you hit one. You would probably be uncomfortable playing the hook. Plus you would have to do a lot more ball hunting with a hook. One last thing. At your age your golf muscles are locked in. They won’t change. So enjoy your eight handicap and work on your short game.
Mike
Jan 5, 2015 at 3:06 pm
You might be casting the club…try holding on a hair longer before impact/release of the club.
Dennis Clark
Dec 24, 2014 at 2:51 pm
Bottom line guys is this: “Closed” (square) at the top is great…if you’re not a “pronater” coming down. If you are, look out left. Great move for slicers, not a great idea for those who hook. I rarely like open at the top; I see too many casters and over the tops to be able to suggest it to many. Thx for the interest and all the positive thoughts. Have a great new year!
Billl
Dec 23, 2014 at 7:23 pm
Correct me if I am wrong. If you have a strong grip to start, you must return the same way at impact. If you tried to return with a flat left wrist the face would be shut. What is the best way to return the club face square from a closed position at the top ? Thanks.
Jeffcb
Dec 23, 2014 at 8:03 pm
Bill – If I could throw my two cents in and I’m sure I’ll be corrected but as someone who has those positions I do really one thing: I release like I’m a shortstop throwing sidearm to first base. My right palm basically faces toward the target. If I hold off a tad its a little push but if I get lazy and let my hand roll over its a pull hook. I try and throw the club with my right forearm at the target.
Dennis Clark
Dec 24, 2014 at 8:27 am
Bill it sounds fine to me. Whatever it takes to square the face. It’s a little differerent for everyone. Happy holidays.
Bill
Dec 24, 2014 at 11:22 am
Dennis,
Thanks, you are right, if you have a strong grip or shut the face going back, you must come back to impact with your hands ahead. (Think Azinger) That should return the club face the way it started. Also, a comment on the move down with the right elbow. I think that is a great idea for anyone who is coming over the top or is too upright and having trouble getting the club to shallow out. More thoughts on this……
Dennis Clark
Dec 24, 2014 at 2:47 pm
John Redman, Paul’s teacher is a friend, and his idea was to finish the swing “knuckles up” I.E. NO rotation coming through! Worked pretty well for Paul:)
ZJ
Dec 25, 2014 at 2:36 am
I would look at Zach Johnson.
Dennis Clark
Dec 24, 2014 at 8:24 am
Bill remember this: a “closed” position at the top is actually square IF NO ROTATION occurs coming down. BTW stron grips are fine as long as the hands remain ahead of the head into impact
Jason
Dec 23, 2014 at 7:14 pm
Firstly great post, only thing i have never really understood is this, If i was to really open club face at address so its pointing right of target,from here if i simply rotated on backswing why is the position i will be at considered closed?
Dennis Clark
Dec 24, 2014 at 8:21 am
Jason. Here’s a way to check it. Take the position at the top and bring it down to impact with no rotation at all. See what it looks like at the ball.
Mark
Dec 23, 2014 at 4:50 pm
You’re not talking at all about path here though. Face dictates where the ball starts but path dictates the curve of the ball.
Thoughts?
Dennis Clark
Dec 24, 2014 at 8:17 am
Mark. Actually I did mention it. Look where it says in to out for closed and over the top for open. Thx
Jeremy
Dec 23, 2014 at 4:05 pm
“Megasecond of truth”?
Microsecond would be a whole lot closer. A megasecond is about 11 days, and ain’t nobody’s swing speed that slow.
Dennis Clark
Dec 23, 2014 at 4:35 pm
Jeremy you are absolutely spot on! My bad. How about a New York second? 🙂
Bob
Dec 23, 2014 at 2:28 pm
I have always tried to use a weak grip to get to a “square” position at the top. I have always assumed that if the resulting shot goes straight, I was square at the top. My problem is that I often end up with a pull/hook or a push/fade. My theory is that I am reacting to my perceived position at the top. The other variable seems to be where the trouble is. On a 202 yard par three with a tree about 80 yards out just right of center and a hazard left, I need a fade, so I weaken the grip but still get a push fade into the gully on the right, a low draw into the tree, or a higher draw/hook into the hazard. Occasionally the planets align and I get the soft fade I want, which often comes up short. My “friends” tell me I have a LOFT problem (Lack Of Flipping Talent”.
Dennis Clark
Dec 23, 2014 at 4:38 pm
Nah not LOFT although that happens occasionally 🙂 We are all victims of our own results. Golfers react to one of two things: The shot they’ve just hit or the shot they usually hit” Thx Bob. happy holidays
Dennis Clark
Dec 23, 2014 at 1:54 pm
I love Manuel’s use of the word “hypnotize” here. An apt description Id say.
golfing
Dec 23, 2014 at 2:14 pm
http://youtu.be/F-hYlxnB5OM see at 33m50s
Dennis Clark
Dec 23, 2014 at 1:50 pm
Great comments. Most of you know I teach EVERY student on an individual basis and eschew method teaching. The golf hall of fame has a VARIETY of swings in it. All I do is share my experiences and if it helps you, great. If not nothing ventured, nothing gained. You simply have to know your tendencies and reactions and find the position that works best for you.
chris franklin
Dec 23, 2014 at 1:06 pm
Nothing new here,John Jacobs was saying all this many years ago.
Dennis Clark
Dec 23, 2014 at 1:15 pm
I agree, one of my mentors
Bob Vitti
Dec 23, 2014 at 11:54 am
As a former engineer, teacher, and now golf professional, I would love for you to clarify your cause-effect logic that leads to golfers’ recognition of where the clubface is at the top of each swing. After all, you need this data point on each swing in order to validate your swing response theory.
All of that in than .5 seconds or less?
Nonsense!
Dennis Clark
Dec 23, 2014 at 12:25 pm
As a golf Master Professional and instructor for some 35 years I have not built my reputation on teaching nonsense. The club face CAUSES the ball to do what it does and the player REACTS TO what the ball ball does. EVERY TIME. thx for your positive input.
Bob Vitti
Dec 23, 2014 at 12:49 pm
After 35 years and all those wonderful awards, you still missed the point. Human reaction time is not quick enough to react to instantaneous club position data at the top of the swing. Clubface position at the top of the swing can only be translated if it is A PRIORI! Over hundreds of swings. It’s physics and biology.
I don’t argue that club face orientation at impact is everything. But trying to convince amateurs that they can
‘square the clubface’ on the downswing based on some nebulous data point on any individual swing is a disservice to your students.
Always has been.
Dennis Clark
Dec 23, 2014 at 1:24 pm
The dozens of young men and women that have gone on to college scholarships, the several young men now playing for a living and the countless juniors I have mentored into a career in the golf business were all mislead by “disservice” as well I suppose. They are the ones that will attest to my commitment to my craft, not PGA award a committees or former engineers. Everyone is a keyboard teacher in this era, but the real teachers I know are the ones out there day in and day out correcting golf swings, lowering handicaps and growing the game of golf through their efforts. You are free to disagree with me, but NOT to question my credentials. Ask anyone who has done this work long enough, and they’ll tell that golfers with a very shut or open face at the top of the swing REACT to it, and build downswings around it.
golfing
Dec 23, 2014 at 1:42 pm
The club position on top as nothing to do with it, if you are young you have more flexibility and these people say your club is “closed”, and in reality it´s not.
In this information age, please chose carefully.
http://youtu.be/F-hYlxnB5OM=33m50s
http://youtu.be/Ub2ex7KOUwE=14m33s
golfing
Dec 23, 2014 at 1:45 pm
video 1 33m50s
video 2 14m22s
RG
Dec 23, 2014 at 4:22 pm
Suck a lemon Bob. Your missing the point, ipso facto.
Stretch
Dec 29, 2014 at 12:34 pm
Sorry to burst your bubble about reaction time Bob. I have seen several players who are square at the top be able to hit cuts, straight and draw flights when commanded by a bystander at the top of the swing. From the square to position it is easy to have no roll for cuts, half roll for square and full roll for draws.
Jeffcb
Dec 23, 2014 at 9:36 am
Dennis – regarding your comment of Dustin, I was told that yes a closed clubface is actually square to the plane and Adam Scotts is open 90 degrees. I’ve worked hard to get this position (Dustins) because for my single plane swing I don’t have to do as much with my hands to square the clubface at impact. Only thing I do wrong sometimes is have too strong a grip which can lead to a closed face. Easy fix.
Dennis Clark
Dec 23, 2014 at 1:32 pm
Jeff, Yes this is true. The face we call a “square” position is actually 90 degrees open to the target. And the one we call “closed” is actually square to the target. This is due to the rotation of the forearms and body going back. I was just discussing this privately with another teaching professional. So we as teachers, need to see and get a feel for how much rotation, pronation, supination, the player is INCLINED to do on the downswing. For players who “release” the club or freely roll their arms through the impact area, a square face is preferable. For those who do not or “hold on”-a close closed face is more compatible with their motion. Great players have compatible motions, lesser players do not. Thx Jeff.
Matt
Dec 23, 2014 at 9:18 am
Dennis, great article! However I would have liked to see you mention how these positioned are affected by strengthening/weakening grip…
Dennis Clark
Dec 23, 2014 at 1:45 pm
Matt. everyone is different. The thing about weaker or stronger grips is they rend to affect motion in other ways. One of the differences they make is the transition in the swing. When you strengthen a grip, it can cup (extend) the wrist and start the club down vertically, make it more open even with a stronger grip. The reason I PREFER a flat left wrist is I see more swings start down on a good plane which requires less adjustment in the downswing. Same with too weak, it CAN bow and start down a little too flat (rare) but it can. Cupping makes wrist cocking a little easier but can get too steep. That’s why I try to correct slicers with a neutral grip IF I CAN. Hope that helps, Thx and happy holidays
Andrew Cooper
Dec 23, 2014 at 8:56 am
Thanks for another interesting article Dennis. Not sure the open face is such a disaster however given the titles won by Jones, Hogan, Sorenstam and others with a cupped left wrist.
Dennis Clark
Dec 23, 2014 at 1:37 pm
Andrew true, but remember this a “cupped” wrist does not in and of itself, create open. A strong grip with a cup will actually be square. A neutral grip with a cup will be open. IN MY EXPERIENCE, I don’t prefer a cupped wrist because it can start the downswing on too steep of a descent in transition. Flatter wrists tend to start down on a more “in plane” motion. But I agree some great players have done it otherwise. That’s the beauty of our game. But I don’t teach the Sorenstam’s and Jones’ of the world 🙂 I teach Mr and Mrs Average who just want the ball to behave a bit. Thx and happy holidays.
Andrew Cooper
Dec 24, 2014 at 1:06 pm
Thanks for the reply Dennis. With you that it’s not for the average guy-the open face will generally lead to an out to in path-but interseting nonetheless the really great players (Hogan for example) who shallowed in their downswing and with a very open face-allowing a range of motion to slam into impact. Happy holidays to you and best wishes for the new year.
golfing
Dec 23, 2014 at 5:39 am
The closed face at the top gives you little room (time) to release
the club (centrifugal force), so you release the club too early to deliver it square.
Open face on the other hand gives you room to optimize centrifugal
force to the maximum by releasing it later.
That´s why Tour players have drivers 10º open and 12º loft, that are
square and 7º loft in reality.
Also for the average golfer it gives you more distance.
golfing
Dec 23, 2014 at 6:24 am
The early release is not caused by a open club face is a REACTION to
a overacted body, so when your lower body run off you have to play
catch up with the club head.
bradford
Dec 23, 2014 at 7:29 am
There is no such thing as centrifugal force. The actual physics become much more clear when you remove the forces that actually aren’t there—there is no force pushing the club head in a path parallel to the radius of the swing, in fact it is the combination of exactly the opposite force (in towards the player) with the forward momentum (tangent to the swing path)that creates the swing path.
golfing
Dec 23, 2014 at 9:45 am
A golf club is released by centrifugal force.
A wedge have an different release point (less force) than a 2 iron
because of it´s length.
Stretch
Dec 29, 2014 at 12:23 pm
So are you saying that centripetal force exists and not centrifugal force? A test for the latter’s existence is to let go of the club 1/2 way down or just after impact and observe what happens. BTW do it when there aren’t other golfers nearby.
Alex
Dec 23, 2014 at 12:24 pm
So you’re saying that an open face can produce something that flies further because they can release it later?
Are you sure? Because I’ve got 1000s of cases where that is completely false.
I wonder if some of you guys commenting have ever had to give a lesson in your lifetime.
golfing
Dec 23, 2014 at 2:05 pm
http://youtu.be/Ub2ex7KOUwE see at 14m33s
other paul
Dec 23, 2014 at 9:37 pm
I love this guys endless YouTube videos. Every few responses he reply’s to something and when challenged posts a YouTube video.
golfing
Dec 24, 2014 at 5:22 am
People like you like to be misinformed and
Its OK with me
Shane
Dec 23, 2014 at 11:26 pm
10 degrees open? Umm no maybe 1-1.5
Devin
Dec 23, 2014 at 3:48 am
Great bit of writing here! Had a lesson the other day on this very thing. I was trying to flip at the bottom due to my cupped left wrist at the top. Now comes the fun…. trying to correct it.
Dennis Clark
Dec 23, 2014 at 6:41 am
Thank you Devin.
Brian Kelley
Dec 23, 2014 at 12:50 am
You can talk to a fade, a hook won’t listen! You can control an open face, you can’t control a closed face, IMO, only pros who can manipulate their lower body speed, and rotation, but not 95% of golfing public can do such w Closed face
Alex
Dec 23, 2014 at 12:28 pm
Only people who have an open face will instinctively try to shut it as fast as possible and swing left while doing so, normally.
Ie, 99% of golfers.
You get someone to shut their face and suddenly you remove the rolling and quick closure rate that is required with an open face.
These old sayings aren’t really useful. A shut face is much easier to play with. You just hold onto the release…something most amateurs do naturally anyway. They just hold on with an open face. I wouldn’t call a 60 yard slice a “fade.”
They also spin the ball too much and launch it too high with heel contact on the face.
I see this 99 times out of 100 at my work.
Ben
Dec 24, 2014 at 1:11 pm
Alex,
Your assessment of “people who have an open face” is my exact reality. Its something I’m currently working on.
Dennis Clark
Dec 22, 2014 at 10:37 pm
You can have a square face with a cupped wrist if your grip is stron. If fact if your grip is strong it will be cupped from the beginning. But to have a square face with a neutral grip you need a flat wrist. Strengthening you grip to correct a slice leads to other problems namely the cupped (extension) wrist problem which CAN START the club down too steeply. Thx
Dustn Johnson
Dec 22, 2014 at 9:34 pm
You should have used my swing as a better shut face example…
Dennis Clark
Dec 22, 2014 at 9:46 pm
LOL. I love your swing. If I could I’d teach more people “closed” which is actually square. Ain’t it?
Dennis Clark
Dec 22, 2014 at 9:50 pm
I also believe the value in the the bowed left wrist is the increased extension in the right wrist. Which can orient the player down better (hands ahead).
other paul
Dec 22, 2014 at 9:01 pm
I started open and switched to square with practicing in front of a mirror. Now went to shut because I use a stronger grip with my driver because I love distance. Use a more neutral grip with irons and wedges for consistent control.
Jeff
Dec 22, 2014 at 8:28 pm
How does someone learn that position by himself without a teacher or coach or video or a mirror?
I guess I don’t know enough about the swing to tell much of a difference between the positions. To me, open and square look similar, closed looks different but it’s hard for me to explain why.
HOW would someone go about trying to be able to noticeably feel the difference, between the three positions at the top?
Thanks Dennis, big fan.
Dennis Clark
Dec 22, 2014 at 8:39 pm
Jeff draw a line down Thomas Bjorn’s club face and notice how much more vertical it is than his arm. Now look at Adams club face MATCHING the plane his arm is on. I think you’ll see its a big difference. And G Mac’s is more horizontal although he is swinging on a flatter plane. A CUPPED wrist puts the club more vertical than the arm swing and a BOWED (dorsiflexed) wrist makes it more horizontal. Hope that helps. Thx for reading
Dennis Clark
Dec 22, 2014 at 8:43 pm
I’m really a big fan of a flat wrist at the top of the swing. There’s a glove out with a hard plastic extension that goes up past the wrist. I forget the name of it. That MIGHT help you feel it. Thx
Awedge333
Dec 22, 2014 at 7:05 pm
Maybe it’s the angle of the photos – but to me (high handicapper) what’s the difference in the closed and square photos?
Except for a slightly bowed wrist (closed face photo) – the clubface is just a few degrees off. So, at the end of the backswing – what is the clubface square to?
Thanks and Merry Christmas!!
Dennis Clark
Dec 22, 2014 at 8:40 pm
A, see my reply to Jeff. I think it’ll help you understand the difference. Thx
Mats B
Dec 22, 2014 at 6:24 pm
The Picture in the top shows: Thomas Björn from Denmark
Dennis Clark
Dec 22, 2014 at 5:24 pm
Exactly Greg. Problem with most is they can’t.
Greg V
Dec 22, 2014 at 4:47 pm
I don’t know who is in the top picture, but I wouldn’t mind playing like Graeme McDowell.
Guess what I am saying is that you can work with a closed face, so long as you can rotate your hips through the shot faster than your shoulders.
Dennis Clark
Dec 22, 2014 at 5:25 pm
Of the two, I’d prefer shut to open any day. For plane reasons as well as face control.
Andrew
Dec 22, 2014 at 8:57 pm
As previously posted, how do you get to this square clubface. It appears by a flat wrist position rather than cupped or bowed,is tis correct? Tanner
Tanner
Dec 24, 2014 at 10:43 am
Thanks, Dennis. This was truly a great article. I have been playing for 20 years and have never seen seen/understood what an open, closed and square club face looked like at the top of the backswing. Thank you. Also, a bonus is fixing a flying elbow with being being square with a flat wrist. Andrew
Dennis Clark
Dec 24, 2014 at 2:44 pm
Ur welcome tanner. happy holidays