Saturday, August 07, 2004

Hi Joe,
This is probably a beginner's question, but that's about where I am. I've got a problem I was told was common to women golfers. It doesn't matter which club I use, seven iron or driver, everything I hit goes about 125 yards (the blessing is that I hit straight). This is fine on an executive course, but frankly, I have distance envy. Any tips??
Thanks,
Barbara

Hello Barbara,
If clubhead speed is too slow, then all clubs will hit the ball about the same distance. To increase clubhead speed, I would recommend a more aggressive weight shift on the downswing together with a delayed whipping action from your wrists. This means it would help to build up your wrist strength any way you can. Some examples would be pushups, or lifting hand weights with your wrists, with as many repetitions as you can stand every day. Gene Sarazen used to be a carpenter, and he attributes his distance to the hand strength he developed while hammering nails. Actually, a good drill would be to get on your knees and hammer some nails into a board sideways, or along the same path as your golf swing. I hope this helps you.
Joe