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.
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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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