If you struggle with slices or shots that start to the right and stay there (for right-handed golfers), you need to learn how to close the club face. Closing the club face means rotating the face of the club toward the target during the swing, which can help straighten out shots that tend to curve off to the right of target. Here are three ways to close the club face:
1. Use a stronger grip
One way to close the club face is to adjust your grip on the club. A stronger grip means placing your hands more to the right on the club (for right-handed golfers), which will help rotate the club face closed during the swing. To achieve a stronger grip, place your left hand (for right-handed golfers) on the club so that you can see three knuckles when you look down at your hand. Then, place your right hand on the club so that your right palm is facing more toward the target. This will help you rotate the club face closed during the swing.
An example of a player on tour with a strong grip is Matt Fitzpatrick (Below)
2. Bow/flex the lead wrist
Another way to close the club face is to bow or flex your lead wrist during the swing. This means that you will hinge your lead wrist so that the top of your wrist is closer to your forearm than the bottom. This will rotate the club face closed during the swing, helping you hit straighter shots. However, be careful not to overdo it with this technique, as too much wrist action can lead to inconsistent shots.
An example of a player on tour who bows their lead wrist is Dustin Johnson
3. Actively turn the face through impact with forearm roll
Finally, you can actively turn the club face through impact by using forearm roll. This means that you will rotate your forearms during the swing, which will rotate the club face closed. To practice forearm roll, hold your club with just your lead hand and practice rotating your forearm so that the club face turns toward the target. Then, add your trail hand to the club and practice using both forearms to rotate the club face through impact.
An example of a player on tour with a very active release is Vijay Singh
Which one should you do?
In my experience as a coach, the easiest one to do is strengthen your grip. This tends to take care of the face for you without you having to be too conscious of it throughout the swing. It will also help if you hit the ball too high. A stronger grip tends to lower the launch angle of your shots and allow you to hit the ball further.
Issues I see when trying to bow the lead wrist
Some people find it uncomfortable and their wrist may not bend that way
It takes more conscious thought throughout the swing
Issues I see when trying to actively rotate the club face through impact
It involves very good timing and skill with the hands (Vijay famously hits balls for hours and hours to perfect the timing)
It promotes a high rate of closure which means the club face doesn’t stay square for very long
Having said that, the best thing to do is come and get your swing checked at G60. We can work with you to determine which one of these face closing methods is best for you. Following that, we keep in touch with you to make sure you’re bedding in the new changes.
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