One of the most underrated aspect of our golf swing is the follow through. I have watched so many different versions of this critical move that I am confident that the follow through is an after thought for most amateurs. Years ago I know that I was focused on the position of my club at the top of my swing vice where it finished. As my knowledge and understanding of grew, I realized that my overlooking my follow through, I was negating all the effort I made in the other aspects of my swing. Well, I am here to say that if you do not have an understanding of your follow through, you are likely holding back your golf game.

As I analyzed my swing, I realized that my follow through showed that I am a twister with very little weight shift. I worked on this challenge (and continue to do so) because I want to have a more complete swing without having to force any part of my swing mechanics. This is a good example of a limited golf swing, pay particular attention to my left hip position after contact:

I was told for years that my swing looked great and that there was very little area for improvement. Well, I can tell you that my follow through was very limiting and I struggled with being a short hitter for most of my career. Fast forward to today.

When I am playing my best golf, my follow through is effortless and exact. The thought process I keep in mind is to point my belly button at the target and to finish high. These two mental notes help my body complete the other basic movements of a strong follow through. Just to clear up an important point, the follow through is not only where the club finishes. It really is a whole body movement. I found a great video that describes a follow through that I am trying to emulate that is also a simple, repeatable drill. It is definitely worth a look:

In my case, I find that swinging at 90% percent of my capability allows my body to comfortably complete all aspects of my golf swing; especially my follow through. It is interesting that I am more accurate and garner the same or more distance. Unfortunately, my desire to ‘grip it and rip it’ over rides my mental strength to perform a complete swing. It is a fact of my game sometimes with which continue to struggle. Regardless, I know what I am suppose to do to lower my golf scores, lets hope I can perform this way when I play today during the hickory stick event at Osprey Links!

I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!