Never Purposely Bow The Lead Wrist at the Top of Your Backswing

In this tip, I'm talking about the bowed wrist at the top of your backswing. I do not teach this and I need you to immediately stop working on that, as it is a new trend. Sure, Dustin Johnson, Colin Morikawa, and I think John Rahm has a little bit of that in there, but it will never work for you, especially if you learned golf as an adult.

Since I started teaching golf in 1991, I have seen this countless times. Typically, little kids and petite players do it because they pull the golf club back with their stronger bottom hand, which bows the lead wrist. However, this shuts the club face at the top of the backswing, causing you to hook every shot.

Just because a few pros do it does not mean you should. It requires excessive hip rotation and takes all the loft off your club. To hit the ball straight, you either need excessive hip rotation or you have to lock your wrists, but this reduces loft and makes it difficult to get the ball in the air.

Master the Proper Writs Hinge for More Distance and Consistency

To learn the proper hinge in your golf swing just take your set up then hinge the club up towards your nose using only your wrists while keeping the lead arm straight. Once properly hinged work the club back to the top of the backswing. If you have a neutral grip and the wrists are properly hinged the leading edge of the clubface will be matching your lead arm at the top of the backswing.

I have seen many students try to do the bowed wrist unsuccessfully, so it will not work for you. Please do not work on the bowed wrist, especially if you learned golf as an adult. Focus on hinging the club properly and keeping your wrists loose for longer and straighter shots.