By Justin Burkhamer
A common theme in the golf swing that I see with my students is early extension. No matter what age, it’s kind of the curse in the golf swing. Early extension happens when your lower body is moving up and away from the golf ball. I tend to call it the Michael Jackson because you're getting up and out on your toes, which is the worst thing that you can have in your golf swing.
There are a few drills you can add to your practice routine to improve any early extension issues in your own game – my favorite is the split-stance drill. This drill will encourage your lower body to sit farther back in the downswing and doesn’t allow your hips to get out in front of you.
In the split-stance drill, you move your front foot up and your back foot back. It’s almost a 30 to 45% split, but it doesn't have to be that technical; just move your trail foot back and get comfortable. Once you’re in that stance, it’s going to force you to rotate through impact and keep your chest and lower body more engaged, rather than your lower body coming up and out of it. Which is, again, probably the worst thing that we can have in our golf swing.
So, take your normal stance and then move your front foot forward and your back foot back. Take a couple of practice swings to get used to having the right hip stay back. That way, you can let your hands get in front of your trail leg and get through the golf ball much easier. The split stance will keep you engaged in the rotation and help you avoid getting up and out of the swing. You'll really feel it in your back right quad and your back right glute.
You can work on this drill on the range or even at home in your living room this winter. I hope it helps!
Justin Burkhamer is an assistant golf professional at Wykagyl Country Club in New Rochelle, N.Y.