Consider this: Ben Hogan once stated that he "wished he
had three right arms…" Why was that…? He understood
that right arm held the key to power coupled with accuracy.
If you are like any other golfer on the planet, you could use
a little extra distance of the tee. Enhance the action of your
right arm and you will be able to… Because the wider your
golf swing is, the further you will hit the golf ball. Tiger
Woods is a classic example of this phenomenon.
Remember the following golfing equation: - Distance = Clubhead
speed = Width. Hence, if you want to add those few extra yards,
add width to your swing by improving the swinging action of
your right arm!
The Correct Action of the Right Arm
The action of the right arm in golf is the most misunderstood
element of the golf swing. This is unfortunately to the detriment
of most golfers.
The right arm actually controls the width and the length of
the golf swing, and it is the width (or the radius) of the back
swing that gives the clubhead room to accelerate on the downswing.
Obviously, if the clubhead has room to accelerate, it will reach
optimal speed at impact - speed needed to project the golf ball
maximum distances.
The correct action of the right arm is very similar to that
of a right-hander throwing a ball a long distance. In order
to create maximum leverage, the thrower will not fold the right
elbow too much.
Ensuring the Correct Right Arm Action
Ensuring that you create ample width in your swing is as simple
as this: Do not allow your right elbow to fold more than 90°'s,
and you will have your right arm in the optimal position at
the top of the back swing. That is, your right elbow should
take the shape of the letter "L", and it should remain
outside (to the right of) your right hip.
If your right arm folds through 90°'s, your swing will
become narrow and this generally leads to over swinging and
loss of power.
A Helpful Drill
Crook your left wrist upward, forming an "L" shape.
As you hold a club in your right hand only, place your left
wrist while in this "L" position underneath the right
elbow so that you feel the sensation of your left wrist resisting
the right elbow and pushing the elbow outward. Now make slow-motion
swings with your right arm only while keeping the left wrist
in position - you should notice how the resistance of the left
wrist under the right elbow guides the right arm through a wide
back swing into a powerful position at the top of the swing.
Good Golfing!