WM Phoenix Open

TPC Scottsdale (Stadium Course)



    hot list instruction

    Need more speed? You don’t have to swing harder

    You’ll pick up of plenty of yards by improving your timing.

    January 21, 2025
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    J.D. Cuban

    As drivers have become bigger, lighter and more forgiving—thank you, manufacturers!—you probably have picked up some distance without doing anything to your swing. However, I know distance gains are addictive, so now you might be tempted to go at the ball harder than ever. That’s fine, but don’t make the mistake of adding speed to your driver swing in the wrong place. I’ll explain.

    Many amateurs sacrifice yardage by thinking they need to swing down hard into the ball at the start of the backswing. This notion typically leads to the driver slowing down as it meets the ball. There’s no snap-like action through impact. What you want to do is think about having the club moving its fastest at the ball or even after it (below). Think of it like you’re sneaking up on the ball. Your driver should initially start down on a slower, unhurried pace with a feeling that your arms are simply falling.

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    J.D. Cuban

    As the club nears the ball, that’s when you step on the gas pedal—literally pushing into the ground to get that acceleration in the right place. Practice this move without a ball. If you do it right, you’ll be in a full, unwound position like I am in the photo at the top of this article. Then try to recreate that wraparound finish when it’s time to hit the ball. That’s how you gain clubhead speed without swinging harder.

    Jason Guss, Golf Digest Best in State Teacher, Naperville (Ill.) Country Club.