There are several ways on how to release the golf club, depending on the desired shot shape and technique. Here are some of the most common ways:
- Passive release: In this method, the golfer lets the clubhead release naturally without actively trying to manipulate it. This technique is best for straight shots and is often used by beginners.
- Active release: This method involves actively manipulating the clubhead through impact to create a specific shot shape. For example, a golfer might use an active release to create a draw or fade.
- Over-the-top release: This technique involves releasing the clubhead over the top of the swing path, creating a slice or fade. This is often used by golfers with an outside-in swing path.
- Under-the-plane release: This technique involves releasing the clubhead under the swing plane, creating a hook or draw. This is often used by golfers with an inside-out swing path.
- Delayed release: This method involves delaying the release of the clubhead until after impact, creating a lower ball flight and more spin.
- Early release: This technique involves releasing the clubhead early in the downswing, which can lead to a higher ball flight and less spin. It is often used by golfers who struggle with hitting the ball too low.
- Lag release: This method involves holding the lag angle between the clubshaft and left arm as long as possible before releasing the clubhead through impact. This creates a powerful, late release and is often used by professional golfers to generate more clubhead speed.
- Wide release: This technique involves extending the arms fully at the moment of release, creating a wider swing arc and greater power. It is often used by golfers who struggle with hitting the ball too short.
- One-handed release: This method involves releasing the club with only one hand, usually the right hand for right-handed golfers or the left hand for left-handed golfers. This can be used to create a specific shot shape or to practice proper hand and arm rotation through impact.
- Roll release: This technique involves rolling the wrists at the moment of release, which can create a more open or closed clubface depending on the desired shot shape. It is often used by golfers who want to control their ball flight more precisely.
- Three-quarter release: This technique involves releasing the club with a three-quarter swing, stopping the follow-through before it reaches full extension. This can be used to control distance and trajectory, as well as to reduce stress on the body.
- Full release: This method involves releasing the club with a full follow-through, extending the arms and rotating the body fully. This can create maximum power and distance, but also requires greater control and precision.
- Downward release: This technique involves releasing the clubhead on a downward angle through impact, which can create a more penetrating ball flight and reduce spin. It is often used by golfers who struggle with hitting the ball too high.
- Upward release: This method involves releasing the clubhead on an upward angle through impact, which can create a higher ball flight and more spin. It is often used by golfers who want to stop the ball quickly on the green.
- One-piece release: This technique involves keeping the hands and arms connected throughout the swing, creating a unified, efficient motion. It is often used by golfers who struggle with inconsistency or have a tendency to disconnect their upper and lower body during the swing.
- Snap release: This technique involves snapping the wrists quickly at the moment of release, which can create a burst of clubhead speed and power. It is often used by golfers who want to add extra distance to their shots.
- Hold-off release: This method involves holding the clubface slightly open through impact, which can create a fade or slice. It is often used by golfers who want to control their ball flight or avoid a hook.
- Flip release: This technique involves flipping the hands through impact, which can create a higher ball flight and more spin. It is often used by golfers who want to hit soft, lofted shots around the green.
- Square release: This method involves releasing the clubhead square to the target line, creating a straight shot with minimal spin. It is often used by golfers who want to hit the ball straight or control their trajectory.
- Inside release: This technique involves releasing the clubhead on an inside path through impact, creating a draw or hook. It is often used by golfers who have an outside-in swing path or want to add a bit of right-to-left spin to their shots.
Remember that the best release method for you will depend on your individual swing style, physical capabilities, and goals. Experiment with different techniques and work with a golf instructor to identify the release method that works best for you.
Here is a table that compares all above methods so you can decide what suits you the best:
| Method | Description | Best used for… | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Passive release | Natural release without manipulation | Straight shots, beginner golfers | Simple and easy to execute | Limited power and control |
| Active release | Actively manipulating the clubhead | Creating a specific shot shape | More control over shot shape | Requires precise timing and practice |
| Over-the-top release | Releasing the clubhead over the swing path | Slices or fades, outside-in swing path | Helps correct outside-in swing path | Can lead to inconsistency or over-correction |
| Under-the-plane release | Releasing the clubhead under the swing path | Hooks or draws, inside-out swing path | Helps correct inside-out swing path | Can lead to inconsistency or over-correction |
| Delayed release | Delaying the release of the clubhead | Lower ball flight, more spin | More spin on shots, greater control | Can result in shorter shots |
| Early release | Releasing the clubhead early in the downswing | Higher ball flight, less spin | Higher ball flight, easier to get airborne | Can result in inconsistent shots |
| Lag release | Holding the lag angle as long as possible before release | More clubhead speed, powerful release | Generates more power and clubhead speed | Requires good timing and practice |
| Wide release | Extending the arms fully at the moment of release | Greater power, longer shots | Maximizes power and distance | Can result in less control |
| One-handed release | Releasing the club with only one hand | Creating a specific shot shape, practicing hand and arm rotation | Can help with shot shaping, builds wrist and arm strength | Can lead to inconsistency or over-correction |
| Roll release | Rolling the wrists at the moment of release | Controlling ball flight more precisely | Provides more control over shot shape | Can result in inconsistent shots |
| Three-quarter release | Releasing the club with a three-quarter swing | Controlling distance and trajectory, reducing stress on the body | Reduces stress on the body, easier to control shots | Can result in shorter shots |
| Full release | Releasing the club with a full follow-through | Maximum power and distance, requires greater control | Generates maximum power and distance | Requires precise control and timing |
| Downward release | Releasing the clubhead on a downward angle through impact | Penetrating ball flight, reducing spin | Reduces spin, produces a penetrating ball flight | Can result in lower trajectory |
| Upward release | Releasing the clubhead on an upward angle through impact | Higher ball flight, more spin | Produces a higher ball flight with more spin | Can result in inconsistent shots |
| One-piece release | Keeping the hands and arms connected throughout the swing | Creating a unified, efficient motion | Promotes a smooth, efficient swing motion | Can be difficult to master |
| Snap release | Snapping the wrists quickly at the moment of release | Adding extra distance to shots | Generates more clubhead speed and power | Can be difficult to time correctly |
| Hold-off release | Holding the clubface slightly open through impact | Controlling ball flight, avoiding a hook | Provides more control over shot shape | Can lead to inconsistency or over-correction |
| Flip release | Flipping the hands through impact | Getting out of trouble, finesse shots | Can add loft to the shot, helpful in certain situations | Can result in inconsistent shots, requires precise timing |
| Square release | Keeping the clubface square through impact | Straight shots | Promotes consistency, reduces sidespin | May result in less distance, requires precise timing |
| Inside release | Releasing the clubhead to the inside of the swing path through impact | Correcting a slice, hitting a draw | Promotes a draw or hook shot, more power due to less spin | Can result in inconsistent shots, requires precise timing |
