The Game-Changer Most Golfers Overlook
If you’re looking to hit the ball longer and straighter, there’s a simple fundamental you’re probably not working on enough. Most golfers I coach—whether face to face or through my online lessons—share the same frustrations: inconsistent club path, unpredictable face angles at impact, and erratic contact. The good news is, there’s one area that, if you get right, can transform all of this.
Understanding the Circle of Your Swing
Think of your golf swing as a circle that moves around your body. Because we stand to the side of the ball, that circle sits on an angle. As the club comes into impact, the direction it’s moving—your swing path—can only be straight down the target line, out to in, or from the inside. The clubface can only be square, open, or closed to that path.
But here’s the crucial bit: where you hit the ball within that swing arc changes everything. The low point of your swing—the very bottom of the arc—should ideally be just after the ball. When you’re consistent with your low point, you set yourself up for solid contact and the best chance to square the clubface. If your low point moves about wildly, your contact and club delivery will be all over the place.
Why Most Golfers Struggle with Consistency
I see so many golfers whose low point shifts dramatically from shot to shot—even up to a foot! The best players in the world only see their low point move by about an inch with every club. That’s why their contact is so reliable. The further your low point moves around, the harder it becomes to control your path and face at impact, which leads to inconsistency and frustration.
The Drill: Nail Your Low Point for Better Strikes
Here’s a simple yet powerful drill I use with my clients:
- Set up to the ball and imagine (or mark) a line on the ground, about 3 to 4 inches ahead of the ball.
- Take some practice swings, focusing on landing the club at or just after that line. The goal is to consistently strike the ground after the ball, not before.
- If you find yourself striking behind the ball, shift your weight forward onto your lead side and try again. This simple move can make a world of difference.
Watch how the best players move their hips closer to the target on the downswing, often by several inches. Even if you exaggerate this move in practice, you’ll quickly learn how to control your low point and deliver better contact. My advice: overdo it in your practice swings at first to really feel the difference.
The Connection Between Low Point and Club Path
Many golfers get steep or come over the top in the downswing, moving their weight back and striking the ground behind the ball. If this sounds like you, try this: from the top of your swing, don’t rush with the upper body. Instead, move down and towards the target with your lower body, letting your hands drop behind you. This helps you touch the ground after the ball, leading to more solid strikes and a more neutral club path.
If you struggle with an out-to-in swing, there’s nothing wrong with adjusting your setup to encourage a better path. Aligning your body slightly to the right can shift your swing circle naturally, making it easier to deliver the club from a better angle without forcing major changes in your motion.
Physical Limitations? There’s Still Hope
Some golfers struggle to separate hip and shoulder movement, which can make it tough to change club path. Even then, focusing on your low point will get you striking the ball in the same part of the swing every time. Once you’re consistent, you can start fine-tuning club path and face with confidence, knowing your contact won’t let you down.
Why Low Point Control is the Fastest Route to Better Golf
If you want to be a consistent ball striker and shape your shots the way you intend, controlling your low point is key. Once you start striking the ball after the low point every time, you’ll see more consistency in distance, flight and direction.
If you’d like personal feedback on your swing and drills tailored to your game, I offer online lessons wherever you are in the world.
Watch the Full Lesson
To see this concept in action and get even more detail, watch the full YouTube video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P0kuGhMtt50
