Are you struggling to achieve the same smooth, powerful swing as the top tour players? The key could lie in understanding the importance of creating proper lag in your golf swing. In this blog post, we'll dive deep into the mechanics of lag and show you how to master it for better contact, distance, and consistency on the course.

The Misconceptions About Lag

Many golfers try to create lag by "pulling down" or "dropping the club" on the downswing. However, this approach is flawed and can actually hinder your swing. The golf swing is not a "pull" motion - it's a fluid, swinging action that requires proper technique.

The problem arises when your swing plane becomes too steep on the downswing. As you approach the ball, you may find yourself in a position where your lead arm and club form a 90-degree angle. This steep angle forces you to release the club early in order to make contact, robbing you of that desirable lag position.

The Correct Way to Create Lag

The secret to creating proper lag lies in maintaining the correct swing plane throughout your swing. Instead of trying to "pull" the club down, focus on swinging the clubhead and allowing the shaft to naturally shallow out on the way down.

Here's the key:

1. Swing on Plane: The club should swing on the correct plane from takeaway to follow-through. Imagine a light stick pointing at your target line - this is the plane you want to maintain.
2. Release the Clubhead: Rather than pulling the handle, focus on swinging the clubhead forward. This will allow you to keep your lead arm and club at a 90-degree angle through impact, creating that coveted lag position.
3. Follow Through: After impact, ensure the shaft continues to point at your target line through the follow-through. This complete, uninterrupted swing motion is essential for generating power and consistency.

Putting it into Practice

To feel and ingrain this proper lag technique, try the following drill:

1. Set up a target line using alignment sticks or other markers.
2. Swing your club, pretending it's a light stick. Focus on keeping the "stick" pointing at the target line throughout your swing.
3. Pay attention to the 90-degree angle between your lead arm and the club at impact. Avoid the temptation to "pull" the club down.
4. Finish your swing with the shaft still pointing at the target line.

Mastering this technique may take some time and practice, but the payoff will be well worth it. You'll start to see improvements in your ball striking, distance, and overall consistency on the course.

Remember, the key to creating lag is not about trying to hold onto the club or "pull" it down. It's about swinging the clubhead, maintaining the correct swing plane, and allowing the natural mechanics of the golf swing to work in your favor.