Alright folks, let me tell you about my quest for faster golf club head speed. It’s been a journey, and I’m still working on it, but I’ve learned a few things along the way that I want to share.
It all started last year. I was hitting the ball okay, but I felt like I was leaving something on the table. I saw some videos online about increasing club head speed and thought, “Why not give it a try?” So, I dove in.
First thing I did was film my swing. Yeah, I know, embarrassing! But, I had to see what was actually happening. I used a basic phone camera and just recorded a few swings from different angles. Watching it back, I noticed a few things right away: my takeaway was too slow, I wasn’t loading my legs properly, and my release was weak. Basically, everything needed work!
Next, I started researching drills. Found a ton of stuff on YouTube, but honestly, most of it was garbage. I narrowed it down to a few that seemed legit and focused on core strength, flexibility, and proper swing mechanics. Things like medicine ball throws, speed ladder drills, and overspeed training with lighter clubs.
My routine looked something like this:
- Warm-up: Dynamic stretching, arm circles, leg swings (10 mins)
- Strength training: Squats, lunges, planks, Russian twists (30 mins, 3 times a week)
- Swing drills: Overspeed training with a lighter driver, focusing on feeling the speed increase (20 mins, every other day)
- Flexibility: Yoga and stretching to improve range of motion (20 mins, every day)
I also started paying more attention to my grip. Experimented with different grips to see what felt most comfortable and allowed me to generate the most speed. Turns out, a slightly stronger grip (rotating my hands a bit more to the right) helped me close the clubface more effectively.
Here’s where things got interesting. I started tracking my progress. Bought a cheap swing speed radar on Amazon. It’s not perfect, but it gave me a baseline and allowed me to monitor my improvements. I’d hit a few balls before each practice session to get a sense of where I was at and then track my speed after doing the drills.
Early on, the progress was slow. I’d see maybe 1-2 mph increase in my club head speed. But, I kept at it, focusing on consistency and proper form. After a few months, I started to see more significant gains. I jumped from around 95 mph to consistently hitting in the low 100s. Woot!
Of course, it wasn’t all sunshine and roses. I had days where my swing felt awful, and my speed would drop. I learned that rest and recovery are just as important as the training itself. So, I started incorporating rest days into my routine and making sure I got enough sleep.
I also realized that swing speed isn’t everything. You can swing as fast as you want, but if you’re not hitting the ball in the center of the clubface, you’re not going to get the distance you’re looking for. So, I started working on my accuracy as well.
What I learned:
- Consistency is key. Stick to the routine, even when you don’t feel like it.
- Don’t overdo it. Rest and recovery are crucial.
- Focus on proper form. Speed without accuracy is useless.
- Track your progress. It’s motivating to see how far you’ve come.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment. Find what works best for you.
I’m still on this journey. My goal is to consistently hit 105 mph with my driver. It’s gonna take more work. But I’m confident I can get there. It’s about dedication, smart practice, and listening to your body. If you’re looking to increase your club head speed, give these tips a try. Good luck, and happy golfing!