Which Method To Square Clubface?

[JackLee]

Just wondering which of the following methods you use to square the clubface at impact:

1. Adjust grip and/or ball position so there is no need for timing the rotation.

2. Time the rotation.

If you time the rotation, which of the following thoughts works best for you:

1. Rotate the clubface to square at impact.

2. Rotate the clubface through square at impact.

If you time the rotation, and you have not tried both of these thoughts, please do so before answering.

Any replies appreciated.

[ks8829]

I don't think about it.....it just happens. if I had to give you an answer it would be the set up and good rotation will give you a successful square solid contact with the ball.

[JonnyGolf]

there is only one answer:

1. Adjust grip/ball position/swing so there is no need for timing the rotation.

You physically cannot time the contact, it happens too fast.

[aedoue]

My teacher tells me that if a person has great coordination, they can time the rotation of the arms/wrists/hands that you describe, but it will never be as consistent as squaring the clubface unconsciously with rotation of the body and free-wheeling arms/hands.

Difficult to trust that concept, but, being a beginner, I had picked someone to trust, and continue to follow his guidance as best I can.

If do find that if I come from far enough inside (getting my weight to the back heel), pushing my right palm through impact with my body rotation (the right wrist not rolling over till after impact), the ball does fly straight, with easy power.

[DrivingRangeJunkie]

It just happens. If you consciously think about squaring it the clubface, most of the time it won't happen. This just comes with practice and getting used to hitting balls with a square face. Your body will know what it needs to do to naturally square the clubface so don't force it.

[MiniMoe]

You might be able to time the squaring of the club face once in a while, but not on a consistent basis. The mechanics of the swing determines what the club face does at impact. Adjusting grip or ball position will not work on a consistent basis either. It takes a good set up and solid swing mechanics to make the club face do what is supposed to do.

Sorry, there is no easy fix. Start the the basics and work up from there.

[GaijinGolfer]

Adjusting the grip worked the best for me. I found that when I relied on timing, my swing was too inconsistent and too hard to repeat.
Id have days where Id hit the ball as solid and pure as anyone could ask for and other days I couldnt hit the ball worth a darn (would hit a huge slice).
Lately, Ive been working on having a stronger grip and with not letting my left arm break at the top of my backswing and Im hitting much, much straighter shots.

[Eeryck]

Just wondering which of the following methods you use to square the clubface at impact:

Just simply answering the question I do number 2. When I release the club it rotates through square at impact. Well it starts rotating slightly before impact and continues to rotate through square after impact. It is simply a function of good club release and forearm rotation. I have to answer also 1. Because my set-up determines where my club face will square. Most times I don't have to consiously think about what I have said above as it is grooved. However, on mishits I can tell that my tempo and timing is off and will typically focus a bit more on good release. -E

[Stuart]

Lead with your lower body. Meaning, fire your hips from the top. If you try to square with your arms and hands you will never be consistent. If you fire your hips your arms and hands and club have no choice but to follow.

[RC]

I think over the years, I've tried all the methods you list and maybe a few more. The one that works the most frequently for me is to focus on hip rotation. I worked on my grip until I got it fairly neutral for whatever my hips are doing. Then as long as I keep turning and get to the left side, the ball goes fairly straight. If I get lazy, it hooks, if I slide, it hooks, and if I get trapped inside, it is a push or fade but unfortunately does not start left of the line. There are days when I can play a controlled push fade... so I just open up, aim a little left and swing at the target. Those are usually good days and have lots of good iron shots. Most of the time, however, it is a draw day and those usually have only one fix -- a very determined hip turn as quickly as I can... that usually takes a little draw off the ball so it goes straighter. My grip would be considered a little weaker than most, the V's point between the chin and right shoulder. When the draw gets out of hand, I may get the right hand V almost to my chin.

BTW, this is for full release swings, and not hold off shots where the club face does not release all the way to the swing plane.

Hope this is useful.