Proper Golf Swing Release

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What does it mean to release the golf club, and when is the right time to do it?
What if I told you that the common belief behind this idea is typically incorrect.
I've studied every major winner since 2000 along with all-time greats such as Jack Nicklaus and Sam Snead, and they all have something in common when it comes to "releasing the club."
In today's video, I'm going to answer the questions above and make sure you're not falling for the common misconception behind this idea.
I'm also going to show you the right path to releasing the club properly and give you a drill to get you started down the road to consistent golf.
You'll discover what happens when you don't release the club at the right time and you'll see an example of how much distance you could be leaving on the table!
Let's get started.....
I look forward to working with you much more in the future with Top Speed Golf. Good luck with your golf.
Clay Ballard
Click Here to Subscribe to KZbin Channel:
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[@Robo-dr8tk]

Great way to describe the release by using the angles of champions. I've been using your advice on the lag, gained about 20 yards. Going to use this advice as well. Great videos Clay !! 👍👍👍

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks!

[@paulc7101]

This is very good. I am a handle dragger for sure. Releasing the hands/wrists has to happen much earlier in the swing, BUT it must all be driven by the body opening up to the target first.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks Paul!

[@jounih2628]

Hi Clay, thanks so much for your clear and excellent instructions. They have helped me getting my swing together ... after 20 years of errors! Great!

[@TopSpeedGolf]

My pleasure!

[@tylercrane6368]

Great video and really made sense to me than all the others.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Glad to hear it!

[@CHIEFzhg]

Love the way you teach golf. If I go pro it’s cause you have coached me.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks Travis!

[@HKRoad]

Excellent video Clay. Very impressive.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks!

[@JDSFLA]

Is this release appropriate for ones irons too? Thanks for the swing tips.

[@daveparsons7756]

That is a good question....what is the answer??

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Yessir!

[@bogeyguy2473]

Thank you for all the content, I do believe that my game is getting better through your videos. So thank you again. Also would it be possible to send you a video of my golf swing, just to see if my form looks good? I welcome any tips. Thank you.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

It's our pleasure! We do offer swing reviews as an additional service once you're an All Access Member of our website. Spots are not always available though. So, if you sign up then go to the swing review page and grab your spot or join the waiting list. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor

[@moheetoes]

Another great video, awesome type. That's why I subscribed to your channel, really helping my game.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks!

[@scottroe6737]

Tha is so much for the reinforcement of some great fundamentals. I watched this and a few others yesterday. Added 20 yards to my drive and 15 to my irons today. No practice just a few 'thought swings'. Overshot the green a few times before clubbing down. Now have to get used to distance again lol. Wow!!

[@TopSpeedGolf]

That's great Scott! Thanks for sharing. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor

[@thebigleone1066]

Nobody else covers this. That is why I'm subscribed. You are the best and my game is getting very good.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks!

[@RathapolLimthongchai]

Hi Clay. I love all your videos. You're one of the best instructors out there. One quick question, what is the flex of your driver?

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks! It's an X-stiff

[@leachboy92]

Oo[lo lo P⁹îo[>I 13 Q⁰

[@patrickcassidy8330]

Awesome video, great advice Going to focus on this at the range

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks!

[@vreeke777]

Most golfpro teachers also PGA teach to hit the ball in Statt of swinging the holy moly golfclub so the release is at the ball

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Hi, thanks for sharing. We are defining the release of when the club is splitting the forearms. Other teachers might have a different definition of it. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor

[@mattsmith-bl2bg]

All these years fighting over the top and not really knowing why. I noticed ALL good players right arm is under their left on the downswing and mine wasn't. I focused hard on that on the range today and a lightbulb went off, it seemed easy after that and I shot a smooth 35, the release just happened too. I'm still not long but i was frozen rope straight.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Hi, thanks for sharing. Sounds like you're on the right track. Keep up the hard work! Quentin | TSG Instructor

[@mattsmith-bl2bg]

these videos help.

[@TheNameYahuwah]

Your release is with a driver, does this also apply to an iron? Or is the release vertical (vice out in front) for an iron?

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Same with iron

[@1108steeveee]

I've been told it's good to feel like you release the club head from inside, through the ball, to outside the ball up in front. Would you recommend this?

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Sure, if it helps you to get in the positions you want. Feel is all relative so it really just depends. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor

[@capkarr]

AWESOME DATA CRUNCH

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks!

[@glennwatson3313]

You have talked about the concept of "straight line release" before but this time, for some reason, it really stuck. Thank you.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

My pleasure!

[@tomgerste1818]

Awesome instructions Clay. I have greatly increased my hip and shoulder turn, and also my lag with release out in front resulting in quality strikes. However, I am still unable to get full arm extension with a high finish. I am short and stocky with flexibility shortcomings. Any hints?

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Hi Tom, I would make sure you're allowing your trail foot to get on it's toes. If you keep it on the ground then you can't keep your hips turning to come around into a full finish. Best of luck! Quentin | TSG Instructor

[@dallasobrien4868]

Your explanation and the science behind it are brilliant Clay. I just need to put it into action. A very big thank you.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Glad it was helpful!

[@azcharlie2009]

The last good golf instructor I had said, "You have NO release." He told me to start releasing that golf club immediately on the downswing! Of course, what you feel is not always what you're actually doing.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Yeah, feel is relative. That is a bad feeling for an overwhelming majority of golfers.

[@perrygill]

@ Top Speed Golf Is that your sweet ride at 10:47?

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Yeah, that's my golf cart :-)

[@perrygill]

@@TopSpeedGolf you are a national golf treasure Clay. Love your content.

[@nooskids007]

Good video nicely explained

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks Luke!

[@dr.modevast1953]

The best details

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks so much!

[@marrrtwer]

The video says roll your left wrist as soon as possible but don't release the club until after your lead leg or at 39 degrees or something lol. How can you roll (release) your left hand without releasing the club with your right hand. Umm this makes ZERO sense.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

You'll want to release your lead wrist out in front of the ball like the video states. Best of luck! Nate | TSG Instructor

[@marrrtwer]

So don't roll your wrists as soon as possible like the video says also? Because my wrists are connected I cannot roll one without rolling the other. It would depend on how you set your wrists in the back swing, if your closing the face or leaving it open right?

[@TopSpeedGolf]

You'll want to bow your lead wrist (flexion) and put your trail wrist into extension before you get to impact. This is not the same thing as rolling your wrists. This is done to square up the club face when coming in at a shallow angle. Some people find it's easier to do at the top of the backswing rather than sometime during the downswing. You'll have to experiment to see how much of this is necessary to have a square clubface through impact and at what time during the swing this works best for you. Play well! Nate | TSG Instructor

[@shr90602]

Hi. Just to make sure I understand the definition of release.... it is the wrist that you are referring to. The wrists turning over is called the release. Is that correct? Thanks

[@TopSpeedGolf]

The release is when the club is splitting the forearms. You can see the release point in the thumbnail of the video. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor

[@negotiatingwisdom7531]

Play, loving the videos… Thank you I’m trying to find the ones about the straight line release. I’m a member but don’t know where to go from here. Can you help? Thanks so much, Bob.P

[@Fjearnest]

Hi Clay, I've heard conflicting advice on wrist releases. Do you let them naturally roll and hope to hit the ball at exactly the right time? Or do you purposely try and get the back of your wrist at the right place so it can mirror the flat face of the club?

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Hi Fred, it really depends on if you're squaring the face. If you're not then you'll need to purposely try to roll them harder or less. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor

[@LUMEStockTrading]

I'd love to chat with you about some swing stuff sometime - I'm int he middle of being fitted/situated by a Pro friend in florida and Ian from TXG. Followed you on insta.

[@loutorres1965]

Your videos have helped me a lot. I went from shooting 106 a round to 87-90 in just 3 weeks. Part of it was getting properly fitted. I have been playing TaylorMade Burners for 12 plus years. The weight and shafts were much to light for my swing. My 7i club head speed is 93 mph and Driver 125mph. Hopefully now that I have the right equipment some one on one lessons will elevate my game. Thank you for the lessons and please don’t stop.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Hi Lou, thanks for sharing. Glad the videos have helped. Keep up the hard work! Quentin | TSG Instructor

[@MikeJones-um3os]

You should subscribe to the TSG video classes...They are very inexpensive and informative.

[@johnaugsburger6192]

Thanks, I hit some really good drives by improving my release point. I had to relax my body and trust the outcome. This really is a great lesson.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks!

[@kdzidoc]

interesting to watch this video after seeing your "new" stuff (2022). What a change. Dynamics, position, even how to think about it.😁

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Well said!

[@spakuloid]

Outstanding content. Thanks! I'm the guy that holds open the face when doing this.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks!

[@chrisreid4949]

I’m only 5’11 180 pound solid ....pro at shop who measured me said I had a very natural swing and only needed a couple pointers which you said ....centring yourself over the ball when I did that my irons changed completely just need that consistency now get my game down even more I’m Committed to playing 4 times a week minimum. As we are in lockdown all our ranges are shut so I’m using the course as my range ......

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Keep up the hard work!

[@MicahSpivey]

Let’s say someone makes a full shoulder turn back swing, and on their downswing they keep it on the plane line and swing to the inside, and strike the ball in the sweet spot of the club, and straight line release, BUT....never get above 100 mph swing speed, and always carry the ball about 220, what would the problem be then? Thanks

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Hi, sounds like the technique is good but they lack strength and power. I would recommend working through our 20 Minute Distance Fix program. Here is what some of our members are saying about it: topspeedgolf.com/20-minute-distance-fix-success-stories/. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor

[@ttt-de6sm]

I started doing this and will hit it well when executed properly and hooks when I don't. How do I solve the hooks, sometimes pull hooks

[@jwheatle30]

Clay- In your "How to stay connected without losing speed video" (can't find out here). I have a question. You let your arms loose free flowing in the backswing. Is is a conscious move to get back to connected at impact? Or is it a result of having loose arms and your hips/chest opening up that pulls the arms back to connection? Thanks!

[@IIrandhandleII]

The straight line between arms being formed is not where to start releasing the club. The release should happen way earlier i think.

[@davet2625]

Is that that classic proforce shaft? Got a used Wilson staff hybrid with it. It's dope!

[@jeremybeck9474]

Clay - do you offer a golf academy?

[@walterhull9421]

You need to add this video, with the front camera angles, to the straight line release portion of the instructions on the payed site. This clearly shows the swing path from start to finish. Showing the swing path and the proper release point, eliminates the guesswork only having the front view creates. I am an original member on the payed site and I always like as many angles of the swing as I can get when you teach about swing angles. Three D is always better than one or two viewing points .

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Hi Walter, thanks for sharing and the suggestion. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor

[@mike.p.1400]

Ok. I get it. But I can’t do it. I happens to fast. I can do it in slow motion. But not in a real swing.

[@chrisreid4949]

Thank you clay as a father of several children in his late 40’s I took up Playing golf 4 times a week three weeks ago ....prior to that I played 2 times a year ...I have studiously applied your techniques going from +36 for 18, to this week mid 20’s over for 18......massive improvement with many par opportunities......here’s the gold yesterday I eagled my second shot after a 220metre drive on the fairway .....had 145metres left pulled out the 5 iron and holed it !! 🥳🥳🥳🏌️‍♂️......been practising your iron techniques and they have been paying off I have been biting at birdies the last couple days but my putting let me down .......thank you my man keep up the great work ...oh yeah and I’m using second hand tiger woods nike pro forged irons 5-pw, Tm R11s, mizuno mx700, Cleveland 1 hybrid with 1 degree, Tm 56 , mizuno 52 wedge , arlimar 3 hybrid 19 degree, so a very mixed bag it’s irrelevant what matters is your coaching and applying it ......thanks again ...loving the game !!

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Awesome! Thanks for sharing! Keep up the good shooting.

[@dougzembiec9995]

Clay - the only people who dislike your videos are competitors and poor sighted people who clicked wrong... Awesome video AGAIN.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Haha...thanks Doug!

[@anischab]

the true question is „what is the real definition of release“?!

[@TopSpeedGolf]

I say it is when the club splits the forearms.

[@neumanu]

High handicap golfer here. Started last year. Tanks for the great advices... I am really struggling with dragging the club through resulting in too much forward shaft lean. Sometimes 10 to 12 degrees. So the ball doesn't get up in the air, because dynamic loft is nearly zero. What may be okay for the irons is really killing my driver game. Can show us some great pre shot routine when changing from irons to driver please. Concentrating on the differences? Cheers for the great work.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Hi Manuel, the swing mechanics are very similar. The only difference is that you want to hit up on the ball with the driver. Make sure you have the ball teed forward in your stance and feel like your body is angled away from the target at impact. This will help promote a more upward angle of attack. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor

[@chrisreid4949]

Also I have never had lessons , but have hit 306 metre drive average around 250-280

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Nice!

[@riesrobison3899]

Great video! One question. Watching other videos you mention the clearing of the hips and the upwards/outwards rotation of the shoulders. Do you think the releasing of the wrists is just a result of the movements of the hips and shoulders? Or should there be concentrated active movement in the wrists?

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks! For most people, I think the wrist release is automatic if you're sequencing correctly. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor

[@wilsonan2596]

thanks👏🏼👍

[@TopSpeedGolf]

My pleasure!

[@Duffer571]

Hi Clay. Just found your channel on KZbin a few nights ago and I love it so I subscribed. I’ve got a request for content. I’m a two handicap and find myself being able to do whatever I want to do with the balls on the range. Draws, fades, straight,high, low, whatever. Usually on target. But when I get to the Course there’s far greater inconsistencies with my execution. My draws can overcook my fade don’t fade enough. I try not to get in the habit of just machine-gunning balls at the range. I typically go through my pre-shot routine with each shot like I would on the course. I’d like to take my range confidence and execution to the course. Thanks bud.

[@VimMitt]

U r too good and very precise. Still what time I release the club? Is there any drill?

[@TopSpeedGolf]

I would recommend working through our Straight-Line Release course

[@gzman1]

would you talk about the hands being crossed over by waist high in the follow through please? no one is talking about this on utube. ie earnie els and nick faldo, tia

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Hi Derek, that's more of a rolled release. You're still releasing out n front like this video shows but the hands are rolling over more. This can add speed but make you less consistent because the face is going from open to closed more quickly. Search our channel for the rolled vs square release video. Quentin | TSG Instructor

[@Peter-si6ne]

Hi Clay! Great video...very helpful! :) Do you have any release angle data for irons? Is it about 45 degrees as well? Thanks!

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Hi Peter, you will have some forward pelvic tilt at the top of swing and the full finish but that's really the only times you would ideally have it. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor

[@richardhartcraft6914]

You are my best video of all time

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks!

[@Chris_Traynor]

Hey Clay. Whenever I try this I get lots of power but huge hooks off the planet! What am I doing wrong. Am I releasing in front but with path too far right or something?

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Hi Christian, the face just needs to be closed to the club path for the ball to hook or it could be toe strikes. Try swinging more out to in with an open face and be mindful of where you strike it on the face. Use some foot powder spray on the club face to see the strike. Best of luck! Quentin | TSG Instructor

[@Chris_Traynor]

@@TopSpeedGolf thanks very much. Will give this a go!

[@grandpagolf]

One of the greatest vids ever, thanks a lot!

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks!

[@adrianl6811]

Is this for irons as well?

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Correct, same swing with all clubs. Play well! Nate | TSG Instructor

[@dennyp2383]

Hey Clay, Long time viewer, first time commenter. Does this same release pattern work for irons as well? (Minus irons strike down vs up on driver). Love the content!

[@kdanks1381]

Hi do you do this with yours irons as well, thanks

[@nateneubauer9871]

Is a late release bad? I think I’m releasing too late.

[@banginpeakhour]

Thanks Clay, i just shot a 1 over 36 in my mens league, your videos are paying off!

[@TopSpeedGolf]

That's great! Thanks for sharing.

[@ivanperalta7825]

Better understanding of the release with your video!!!

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks!

[@nonobebert7646]

When I try to release after the ball, my hands are ahead of the ball and my clubface is always open, hence slices, weak fades or pushes. Any solutions ?

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Hi Oliver, you need to turn the handle by getting some bow in the lead wrist. I would recommend working through The Move course on our website. Quentin | TSG Instructor

[@nonobebert7646]

@@TopSpeedGolf thanks for the reply

[@simonhwang1034]

Thank you. Your advice was very helpful to me.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

My pleasure!

[@luisbonilla9491]

I am starting to get this concept, but still struggle on timing. What angle should the club be right at impact? When should I start releasing?

[@allshownogolf]

Great video! Thank you!!! Do irons release the same way? I assume the release point is not as forward as a driver??

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Yessir!

[@PauloG100]

Great video Clay. I will be trying this today at the range.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks Paul!

[@tonninivideo]

Hi Clay, love your video. BTW, what brand and model is your driver shaft?

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks Tony! It's the Ping Tour shaft in X-stiff. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor

[@jancenj2218]

@@TopSpeedGolf I have a Ping G20 with tour shaft. I find it heavy. Do you or is it just me?

[@tcBurke]

true or false, guys with later release are straightest drivers?

[@TopSpeedGolf]

This is typically true. Those who release early are usually rely a lot more on timing to square it up. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor

[@checkoutthisnoob5025]

Does this technique transfer over to iron shots?

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Yes

[@cr8iveamboy775]

Douglas Adams was a golfer "42"!

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Hi, I'm no familiar with who that is but it will be tough to compete at a high level with a driver that short. You just won't be able to hit it that far. You would like need to be swinging in the 130s mph with a 45" driver to be able to keep up. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor

[@pmac6062]

Clay imo you are the best instructor on youtube. You explain the causality of not doing these important fundamentals so well. I thank you for helping me 🙏🏼

[@pubmeatman]

Great content. You explain your instruction very well.

[@2000clift]

Another great very informative video, thank you.

[@donkeyjoe4782]

Today I hit a slice that actually curved back toward me

[@TopSpeedGolf]

😂

[@aspacepigtaipei]

That early release swing of yours looked like Rick Shiels, no disrespect to him intended.

[@jimrohnstock9913]

How old is this video? You made a video saying you switched to Ping clubs earlier this year so where are they new clubs and why a Titliest bag? Not trying to be critical but where are the Pings.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

This video was probably filmed several months ago. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor

[@daveparsons7756]

Same feeling for irons too???

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Yessir!

[@MrGolfhimguy]

Beautne!ifully done!

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks Christian!

[@Tone52672]

Nice vid but would be cool to get a slomo

[@jmack619]

You can change the speed of the vidéo yourself with speed setting . Happy two four

[@defitriyana86]

Great tutor

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks Defi!

[@donaldbayley4162]

Awesome video. Despite watching my swing over and over again, I never realized I was doing this.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks Donald!

[@michaelboscarello9803]

Great video!!! I’ve been delaying my wrist release exactly as you described in this video. Can’t wait to get back to the range and try these drills out. Thanks again Clay.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Great work Michael. You will have to let me know how it goes!

[@RC.Time-Crawlers]

Hello Sir! I took lots of your advice to the coarse this wknd👍. By watching this frunt view.I'm getting way to much advice from friends 🤦‍♂️as to how far forward I should T up.If you have a link to what should be the best ball placement for your driver and woods that would be great.I was under the impression it was just inside the left foot.If I'm comparing to your set up my ball is way way to far forward. 🤷‍♂️ . I think this is why my ball flight is heading left and if I try to do the release feeling I'm loosing it far right with an open face I think .I'm thinking I'm striking on the upward and left movement of the swing arc.Any advice would be great and thanks for your time. Take care

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Hi Robby, typically straight down from the lead shoulder is a good place. If you have a wider stance then off the lead foot may be too far forward. Keep in mind that the camera angle can make the ball placement look like it's toward the middle. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor

[@RC.Time-Crawlers]

@@TopSpeedGolf Thanks for the tip .Take care

[@billb0313]

Clay Ballard: making geometry fun! Another great video.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks Bill!

[@aldoraines]

Get to the point. Too much waffle.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks for the feedback. Hope you're playing great! Quentin | TSG Instructor