The Trick to Release the Golf Club Through Impact!

The Key to a Proper Release: Why Lead Arm Rotation Matters

The release through impact is one of the most critical phases of the golf swing. A proper release allows the club to deliver maximum power to the ball while maintaining control and consistency. The foundation of this movement lies in how your lead arm behaves during and after impact. Many golfers struggle with tension in their arms and shoulders because they fail to rotate their lead arm correctly. This can result in issues like the dreaded chicken wing or even elbow and shoulder pain over time.

When done right, the lead arm rotates externally at the shoulder joint, allowing for a natural unwinding of the body and a full extension of the arms post-impact. This external rotation prevents the arms from buckling or collapsing, ensuring a tension-free follow-through. More importantly, it protects your body from unnecessary strain and sets you up for a repeatable, powerful swing.

Breaking Down the Release: Three Core Principles

To master the release of the golf club, there are three fundamental principles to understand and apply.

First, allow your lead arm to rotate externally at the shoulder joint as you move through impact. This rotation ensures that your arm can extend fully without locking up or creating tension in the elbow and shoulder. Imagine your arm turning outward as if you're opening a door with your palm—this feel helps guide the motion.

Second, focus on pointing your thumbs toward the target after impact. This simple checkpoint encourages proper arm extension and prevents the lead arm from folding too soon. It also helps maintain the clubface's alignment, leading to more accurate shots.

Lastly, aim to finish your swing with the golf club resting comfortably on your lead shoulder, specifically on the trapezius muscle. This position indicates a relaxed, softened elbow and a natural follow-through, which are hallmarks of a well-executed release.

Practical Drills to Train Your Release

Understanding the theory behind a proper release is only the first step. To ingrain this movement into your swing, you need to practice with intention. Below are two effective drills designed to help you develop the correct feel and mechanics for releasing the golf club through impact. Grab your club and let's work on these together.

Thumbs-to-Target Drill

Setup: Take your normal stance with a mid-iron and prepare for a series of small, controlled swings. You don't need to hit a ball for this drill—focus on the motion.

Execution: As you swing through the impact zone into your follow-through, concentrate on pointing both thumbs toward your intended target. Ensure your lead arm rotates externally at the shoulder, allowing for a full extension of the arms. Hold your finish position for a few seconds to check your thumb alignment.

Tips: Start with slow, half swings to get a feel for the rotation and thumb positioning. If your thumbs are pointing off to the side or downward, adjust your arm movement to prioritize external rotation. Repeat this drill for 10-15 swings, gradually increasing your swing speed as you become more comfortable with the motion.

Club-on-Trap Drill

Setup: Again, use a mid-iron and set up as if you're hitting a standard shot. This drill is especially helpful for beginners who tend to overthink impact mechanics.

Execution: Focus on completing your swing with the club resting on the trapezius muscle of your lead shoulder. After impact, allow your arms to extend fully and soften your lead elbow as the club naturally comes to rest in this position. Hold the finish for a moment to ensure you're feeling relaxed and balanced.

Tips: Avoid forcing the club onto your shoulder—let it happen as a result of a smooth follow-through. If you feel tension in your arms or shoulders, slow down the swing and prioritize a natural rotation of the lead arm. Perform 10-12 repetitions, focusing on a consistent finish position each time.

Your Path to a Fluid, Powerful Swing

Mastering the release of the golf club through impact is a game-changer for any golfer. By allowing your lead arm to rotate externally, pointing your thumbs toward the target, and finishing with the club resting on your lead shoulder, you can achieve a tension-free, powerful follow-through that delivers consistent results. These principles protect your body from strain and unlock the potential for better distance and accuracy on every shot.

The drills outlined above—Thumbs-to-Target and Club-on-Trap—are simple yet effective tools to ingrain this movement into your swing. Dedicate time to practicing them regularly, and pay attention to the feel of a proper release. With patience and repetition, you'll notice a significant improvement in your swing's fluidity and overall performance.

Now it's your turn to take action. Head to the driving range or your backyard practice area and start working on these drills today. Focus on the key checkpoints and trust the process. A smoother, more powerful release is within your reach—commit to the practice, and watch your golf game transform.