Have you ever shanked a drive into the next county, or chunked a chip shot that barely trickled off the tee box? If so, you’re not alone. Countless golfers struggle with delivering the clubhead squarely into the back of the ball, leading to a frustrating mishit party. But fear not, weekend warriors and aspiring tour pros alike! In this video, golf guru Craig Hanson breaks down the secret to achieving that oh-so-sweet feeling of pure connection.

The culprit behind many woes, according to Hanson, is a sneaky move in the downswing. Forget the backswing for a second – it’s all about what happens after that critical peak of your swing. Many golfers, Hanson explains, make the mistake of letting their right elbow and forearm get “steeper” during the descent. This throws the entire swing sequence out of whack, leading to a cascade of problems that leave you looking longingly after that topped worm burner.

But there’s hope! Hanson offers a beacon of light for golfers yearning for that perfect strike. The key, he says, lies in mimicking the move used by the pros: splitting the right forearm and bringing the club down level or even slightly behind the hands. This might sound like a subtle shift, but trust us, it can make a world of difference in your ball striking.

The video dives deep into practical solutions and drills to help you groove this magic move. Here’s a taste of what Hanson covers:

• Wrist Alignment for the Win: Forget about fancy footwork or grip contortions – it all starts at the top. The video emphasizes the importance of setting your wrists up correctly during the backswing. This means keeping your right wrist “bowed back” and your palm facing down and away from your body. Think of it as a handshake with the club. This simple tweak, Hanson assures us, will help you “assemble” your swing better at the top, making the downswing a breeze.
• Feel the Flow: Struggling to visualize that split-forearm move? Here’s a handy trick: keep the “bullseye” of your right hand pointed away from you, and focus on feeling your left shoulder smoothly moving down towards the ground. This, Hanson explains, will help you “shallow out” the angle of your swing, leading to more power and compression at impact – the recipe for a ball that rockets off the face of the club.
• Elbow: Your New Best Friend: It’s time to ditch the “chicken wing” elbow position that plagues so many golfers. In the downswing, Hanson emphasizes the importance of keeping your right elbow nice and close to your side. This might feel awkward at first, but trust the process. By keeping that elbow tucked in, you’ll effectively change the angles in your arms and create a “slot” for the clubhead to deliver itself perfectly into the back of the ball. Think of it as building a little highway for clubhead success.
• Alignment – Don’t Be a Target: Alignment is crucial, not just for finding the fairway but also for delivering the clubhead on the proper path. Many golfers, Hanson points out, struggle to bring the club in from the inside and inadvertently aim out to the right. This, as you might guess, promotes that dreaded steepening of the right elbow and forearm, leading to pulled shots that veer off course. To combat this, Hanson recommends a simple yet effective fix: aim slightly left of your target. This subtle adjustment encourages an inside-out swing path, helping you square the clubface up at impact and strike the ball more solidly.
• Live View Golf: Your Swing Spy: Looking for an extra edge? The video mentions Live View Golf as a handy tool for golfers. This nifty device allows you to film your swing and see yourself on a screen simultaneously. Think of it as having your own personal swing coach in your pocket, constantly providing real-time feedback on your mechanics. By incorporating Live View Golf into your practice routine, you can identify flaws and make adjustments much faster, accelerating your journey to becoming a ball-striking machine.

So, ditch the frustration and embrace the power of a properly delivered clubhead. By following Craig Hanson’s tips and incorporating these drills into your practice routine, you’ll be well on your way to achieving that sweet, satisfying feeling of pure connection at impact. Remember, it’s all about keeping that right elbow in check, feeling the split-forearm move, and aiming smart. Now get out there and start smashing those drives!