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Instruction 3:
Power Sources of the Golf Swing - Wrist Hinge 
There are three power sources in the golf swing. The body coil, arm swing and wrist hinge. To maximize the distance you hit the golf ball it is important to max out each of these three sources.
The majority of people will focus on using their upper body and arms to try and move the club faster. In doing this they forget the important role the wrists play in setting the club square and on the correct swing plane. It is the correct hinging of the wrists, which will help to generate good club head speed, with the clubface square and traveling down the target line at impact.
Our natural reaction when we first pick up a golf club and try to hit a golf ball is to move the club into the back swing by rolling or flexing the wrists. This takes the club on an inside path and places the club below the ideal swing plane and thus behind the body. From here the wrists are unable to hinge fully with a square clubface leaving the club to return to the ball often on a steep attack angle with an open clubface. This will cause deep divots and a high week ball flight starting left of target and curving back to the right.
The correct action of the wrists is to hinge in front of the body keeping the club pointing at the target line at all times. An excellent drill to help you achieve a correct wrist hinge is the tee-to-ball drill.
Place three golf balls on the ground all on your target line. One ball in normal hitting position, one ball 60cm towards target and one ball 60cm away from target. Now place a tee in the butt end of your golf club and take your set up position.
Turn into your back swing hinging your wrists until your left arm is horizontal and the tee in your grip points to the rear ball. Your arms will be in front of your body, wrists hinged fully with the club at 90 degrees to your left forearm and on plane. Repeat this move in your follow through and the club will be on plane with the wrists hinging correctly.
If you want to maximize your distance with all your shots, remember the important role a correct wrist hinge will play in keeping the club face square and moving at a good speed through impact.
In next months edition we will talk about the second of the golf swing's power sources - the arm swing.
This Months DDGA Golf School Special
Take a 2, 3 or 4-day Golf School at DDGA before August 31st, and receive a DDGA logo golf shirt to the value of 10,000 yen. To book your place email or call 0985 38 1210.
Derek Hooper, Director of Instruction,
David Duval Golf Academy
Phoenix Seagaia Resort, Miyazaki
An Australian PGA member since 1994, Derek has been at DDGA since its official opening in April 2003. Since that time he and management company Troon Golf, have grown and developed the programs to where they are now recognized as some of the best in Japan. The Golf Schools are based on the successful model used by the 18 Troon Golf Academies throughout the world, and are delivered in the student's choice of English or Japanese.
Derek has an extensive back ground in motor learning and performance, and its relationship to golf instruction.
After gaining a University degree in Sports Science, specializing in biomechanics and motor learning and performance, he played the Australasian Tour for two years.
He later worked at the Nike Golf Learning Center before starting his own Academy teaching Tour Professionals and amateurs. Derek has a AAA level of accreditation with the Australian PGA and a Level 5 accreditation with the Australian Coaching Council, the highest rating available.
To contact Derek, or to get more information on the DDGA Golf Schools please email him at , or phone 0985 38 1210. You can also see all the DDGA program details at
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