Texas Children's Houston Open

Memorial Park Golf Course



Driving

3 Keys: Release for distance

December 09, 2007
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1.) A good release starts with the grip. Set the club in the fingers of your left hand, with your thumb pad over the top of the handle. With your right hand, again get the club down in the creases of your fingers. This will help you hinge the club up going back and hold that wrist angle longer in the downswing for a late burst of speed.

2.) I recently found I was holding the club too tightly with my right hand, trying to hit the ball instead of releasing through. Here's a drill I used to relax my right hand: Grip the club normally, then move your right index finger on top of the grip. Hit some balls like this. You'll see it takes the "pinch pressure" out of your right hand.

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3.) People talk about how I turn my head to the target before impact. That's the release of my body. But the big issue for amateurs is getting the arms and wrists to work correctly through impact. Release the club to the target, and feel your left elbow pointing to the ground (above). Let your wrists recock the club to a full finish.

Annika Sorenstam writes instruction articles only for Golf Digest Publications.