delaying release.....

Played on Monday with two buddies...one a 6hcp and the other a 3hcp.

I feared my rusty game had to be getting on their nerves even though I kept pace.

The 6hp was searching and struggling (rusty, too) and was like me...just getting off working some really long hours. The heat was brutal and I'm sure we each had a dozen other excuses. He shot 90 and I a bit worse.


The 3hcp shot a smooth 75 and showed no signs of rust, heat fatigue, frustration or other. He just kindly tended the flag and retrieved hour clubs and towels for us as well as watched with a keen eye.


He offered a couple of tips when we aksed.

The thing he saw me doing that was unusual (for me ....I do a lot of unusual things compared to normal was releasing way to early in the downswing....especially with my mid-irons through wedges.

I took some practice swings and focused on this and then hit a practice ball with the club in hand (8 iron). It felt flushed and travelled at least 20 yards longer than the two weak shots I'd just hit with it prior to the tip. I must have been grinning like a fool 'cause I turned and saw him laughing and saying to work it out on the range after the round.


One thing I found was that my left thumb was crowding.....I relaxed and extended it just an inch or so further out and it changes the club position in my hand a huge amount. I can then feel the butt of my left hand pulling through the shot resulting in a better timed release.


Anyone else fought through this?

What were your solutions?

Yup. Played a full round today and used the "new" grip. I feel like there is no doubt that it put me in some better positions through impact, however it's a steeper approach. It messed me up with driver on a few occasions...high pop-ups.