Tom Ward: The Left Wrist

By Tom Ward,
PGA Tour Instructor

To keep the clubface in the correct position throughout the swing, the left wrist must move in a flat position. What I mean by flat is in relation to the back of the left forearm, and the back of the left hand for right-handed players. To deviate from this position will roll the clubface out of position.

Keeping the left wrist in this flat position will allow the correct movement of the wrists at the top of the backswing, and the start of the downswing, which is an up-and-down motion, keeping the left wrist in the proper position. Keeping the left wrist in this flat position throughout the forward swing will allow it to move in an up-and-down-motion finishing the follow through properly.

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To check and see if the wrists are in the proper position, swing the clubface halfway back about hip level high with the club shaft in the position horizontal to the ground. If the left wrist is in this flat position the clubface will be parallel to the target line, or the toe of the club will be pointing vertically to the sky.

Halfway through the forward swing with the shaft horizontal to the ground again the clubface should be parallel to the target line or the toe pointing towards the sky. If these positions, the left wrist has remained in the flat position throughout your entire swing which translates into a great shot on target.

Here's hoping you stay on the happy side of par!