strong forearms in golf

[hughcoo]

Recently I have rebuilt my swing using Hogan's 5 fundamentals. I have my fundamentals quite solid but still things werent quite working for me, I could feel from my shots that I was only utilising 50% of my power and when I try to swing harder I always slice and sometimes shank. I started noticing that I really struggle with my left side, it is very weak and my right side is very strong. I took swings using just my left arm and right arm. When i swung hard with just my right arm at worst I sky the ball or skull it but generally I get a genuine feel of a hit. When I use just the left side and swing hard I shank or miss the ball altogether. Since discovering this I have started trying to build up my left forearm and wrist. I take practise swings using only my left arm. I have been doing this for a week now and things are really starting to take off. I am starting to hit really solid shots as I feel the power of my left forearm pushing the ball out of my way. I am only 5'8 and I can not rely on a wide swing arc so I think using the power in my forearms could be my solution. I am concentrating on making sure my grip posture and everything else is perfect but allowing my left forearm to be responsible for the bulk of my power. Does anyone think this is a really bad idea and could concentrating on strengthening my wrists and forearms like this have any known bad effects on your swing?

[Ian Hancock]

Re: strong forearms in golf

Hi Hugh,

I think the left arm should be an extention of the club and the right arm for minimal control.

The power in the golf swing comes from the legs and core of the body......working to much with arms wrists can only lead to inconsistancies.

You would be better working on other aspects of your game if you already play to +2.........there can't be alot "wrong" with your golf swing....try the mental side...!!


Hope this helps


Ian.

[gord962]

Re: strong forearms in golf

If you can increase your clubhead lag, working on the wrists is very important. You need the strength to hold back the clubhead and then the power to turn over at impact. Also, with stronger wrists, you grip pressure won't seem as strong and you will have more relaxed forearm muscles, promoting a fuller release.

But, as Ian said, this can be dangerous information in the hands of the amatuer golfer. Work on creating more resistance in your turn when you coil during the backswing. This is where most of the power in your swing is generated.

[greghutton]

Re: strong forearms in golf

Hi Hughcoo,

Strong forearms and wrists are a huge advantage in golf, if you see any of the top tour pros up close you will see just how developed some of their forearms/wrists are. This mainly comes from hitting many golf balls and their is no better exercise for the golf swing than hitting balls However, there are many exercises that are good for developing strength in this area. I have found the best forearm exercise to be this one. Having stronger wrists and forarms can only be of benefit to your game, as long as you exercise cautiously and do not over do it.

[kiwi]

Re: strong forearms in golf

Who wouldn't want Arnold Plamers forearms and power.

For sure work on them. Nothing like strong forearms and wrists for that low 5 iron punch shot. I've used a 1 inch bar with three feet of string and a 2 kg weight tied on and rolled it up and down when I was a teenager just to build these muscles up. They are hugely important.
Ever sprained a wrist hitting a 3 iron out of someones unrepaired divot?
Work hard on those puppies

Kiwi

[Ian Hancock]

Re: strong forearms in golf

Not to sure about thoses stripey shorts...........oh and make sure the rope doesn't get tangled in anything else.


Can we please clarify, strong forearms and wrists obviously can help in thick rough, 3 iron divot etc...............but we are not saying it ok to build these up for specific use in the golf swing?.


i.e using a different swing in anyway...this is purely for added strength in difficult situations...right.


I'm interested.


Ian.

[hughcoo]

Re: strong forearms in golf

Ian, my handicap is +2 as that is my target, I'm not quite there yet! Thanks for all the comments. I think strong forearms can only be a good thing. Mainly for clubhead control with helps use your power in the best way, but also good for pure power out of the rough. They are also very useful if you want to hit powerful shots/punches into the wind. Thanks to everyone for their comments, its an interesting topic but in conclusion: it worked for Jack, works for Tiger so I think I will keep working on the forearms.