Three Quick Fixes From PGA Coaches to Sharpen Ball Striking
By Staff Writer
2 min read
LoopGolf
Three PGA-affiliated instructors offer quick, targeted fixes for common faults in the full swing, short game and driver setup, aimed at golfers looking to sharpen contact before their next round.
What is the one-arm ball striking drill?
Coach James, who has worked with more than 3,000 golfers including over 200 professionals, recommends swinging with the lead hand off the club. The fault it targets is an arm that lifts independently of the body rather than moving with the torso's rotation. With only the trail arm on the club, the trail elbow must fold into a structured position at the top instead of flying away from the body. The drill trains the arm to swing in front of the body and release fully, with the torso waiting to turn until the arm catches up, before the lead hand returns to the grip for stability.
When should golfers grip down the club?
Keith, Director of Instruction for the Faldo Series who has coached Nick Faldo and Seve Ballesteros, suggests gripping down to the bottom of the handle on greenside shots that don't need height or spin. The shorter grip brings the hands closer to the clubhead and ball, shortens the forearm muscles and reduces wrist hinge, producing a shallower, straighter path. Standing taller and rocking the shoulders and torso, similar to a putting stroke, becomes the main source of motion instead of the wrists.
What driver setup mistake costs golfers distance?
Instructor Ged, based at True Fit Golf Centre, points to poor weight distribution and an overly straight trail arm at address as the most common driver faults among club golfers, both of which push the shoulders out of alignment. His fix: set roughly 60 percent of pressure into the trail foot without leaning the body, shift the hips laterally so the belt buckle sits slightly left of the shirt buttons, and soften the trail elbow toward the ribcage. Combined, the adjustments encourage a more upward angle of attack.
Each fix targets one specific setup fault rather than asking for a full swing rebuild.
Frequently asked questions
Why practice swinging with only the trail arm?
It forces the arm to move in sync with the torso's rotation instead of lifting independently, and builds a structured trail-arm position at the top of the backswing.
When is gripping down the club useful?
On greenside shots that don't require extra height or spin, where a shorter grip improves control and reduces wrist action.
What weight distribution is recommended at address with the driver?
Roughly 60 percent of pressure into the trail foot, achieved through ground pressure rather than a physical lean.
- golf instruction
- ball striking
- driver setup
- short game
- golf swing drills
- pga coaching
