Every autumn, I feel excited because it’s my favorite time of year to play golf. I have several tournaments lined up in the next few weeks and I feel like I’ve practiced the right things this summer to have my swing in order.  

Figuring out my own swing faults took time, practice, and some video analysis. As an exercise physiologist and a Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) golf fitness specialist, I have a keen eye for faulty movement patterns. I spend much of my weekend trying to identify swing issues based on movement patterns rather than simply looking at how someone uses the golf club 

With that in mind, here are five of my favorite drills and practice strategies to help golfers of all levels.  

Swing harder 

Although “smooth,” “easy,” and “relaxed” are all good thoughts to have on the course, most amateur golfers don’t swing fast enough.  

This doesn’t mean you should swing 100% on every shot. Instead, practice a few shots at the range where you swing as hard as you can, even if you sacrifice some accuracy. This helps recruit the fast-twitch muscle fibers needed for a faster, more powerful golf swing.  

You don’t need to hit every shot at maximum speed, but don’t be afraid to practice swinging faster. Professional golfers aren’t holding back when they reach swing speeds of 120 mph or more.  

Practice your release by swinging the club upside down 

This is one of my favorite drills. Turn your club upside down and grip it just below the club head. Take a few practice swings and listen for the “whoosh” of the club.  

For a right-handed golfer, if you hear the whoosh near your right ear, your release is happening too early. If you hear it as the club moves in front of you, closer to your left ear, your release is in a better position.  

Take it one step further by  hitting a few shots immediately afterward. Imagine the fastest part of your swing happening about 1 foot in front of the ball.  

Rehearse your swing in parts 

Many amateur golfers take too many full practice swings. Instead, break your swing into parts.  

Try 15 takeaways, 15 swings to the top of the backswing, 15 swings from top to impact, and 15 follow-throughs. Practice in front of a mirror when possible so you can see your positions and make adjustments before heading to the course.  

Take your drills from slow to fast 

If you find a drill that helps you improve a specific part of your swing, start slowly. For example, if you’re working on shallowing the club on the way down, begin with half swings at about one-quarter speed. Gradually work your way up to full swings at full speed.  

The bottom line: If you can’t get into the right positions when you’re moving slowly, it’s unlikely you’ll consistently hit those positions when you’re moving fast.  

Maintain your spine angle 

Maintaining your posture throughout the swing goes hand in hand with a balanced finish. One of the most common swing faults among amateur golfers is losing their posture.  

An easy way to practice this is to hold a club or alignment rod across the front of your shoulders. Get into your normal starting position, then rotate your body as you would during your golf swing.  

At the top of your backswing, one end of the club should point toward the area just outside your normal ball position. As you rotate toward a three-quarter finish, the other end of the club should point toward that same spot.  

This drill helps you maintain your spine angle throughout the swing, which can lead to more consistent ball striking.  

Want to improve your golf game?  

If you’re not sure how the start of the golf season has affected your game, come see me at Move. I offer TPI mobility screenings, video swing analysis, and personalized golf fitness programs designed to help you move better and build the strength and mobility needed for your golf swing.  

We also partner with local golf professionals to offer golf lessons at the Highlands Golf and Tennis Center, just across the street from Barnes-Jewish Hospital.  

-Aaron Gutjahr, exercise physiologist, golf fitness specialist, and Move by BJC manager