The Science of Speed

As the game of golf evolves, more teachers are embracing the effect that science can have on game improvement, particularly when it comes to adding distance. In this video, Golf Digest 50 Best Teacher Michael Jacobs introduces the science of swing speed and discusses how a few myths have created a generation of golfers that tries to produce power in the wrong ways.

Everyone wants to rip the driver down the fairway like the pros do, but what’s the best way to go about it? Swing harder? Swing longer? Lift more weights? The best players in the world have great timing, which is exactly what you need to get longer off the tee. In this video, Michael Jacobs shows you four ways you can hit your driver farther.

How many times have you hit an iron shot, stared it down as it climbed to its apex, only to see it fade off to the right 10 yards short? This can be frustrating, and only makes you less confident with your irons, which are already hard enough to strike purely. In this video, Michael Jacobs shares his tips on how to get the most out of your iron game.

We’ve all watched Ernie Els or Louis Oosthuizen crush a 300-yard drive and thought, “How do they swing so easy and hit it so far?” Most golfers overswing and create a lot of tension when they try for more distance. In this video, Michael Jacobs explains why that is, and how you can fix the sequence of your swing and gain some of that effortless speed.

In this final video, Michael Jacobs reveals some of the discoveries he and Dr. Steven Nesbit have made doing research on the golf swing. You’ll see where everyday golfers fall short, and why power can be an elusive thing. Here are three of their most interesting findings and the ways in which they can add speed to all of your swings.