How To Start The Downswing In Golf

The transition from the backswing to the downswing is something so many golfers struggle with and is one of the main reasons many of you are plagued by the dreaded slice. 

In this video and article, Golf Monthly Top 50 Coach Alex Elliott shares his favourite drills to help you hone a more powerful and efficient move as you start the downswing.

How to start the downswing in golf

If you watch slow-motion videos of the best players in the world right now, a consistent theme across all of their swings is the dynamic move in transition. One thing that tour pros do well, that amateur golfers often struggle with, is rotating their hips to create power. This allows them to create a lot of lag and boost their swing speed.

Irrespective of your age or ability, all amateur golfers can improve this area to gain extra distance off the tee. I want you to imagine your body is separated into three sections: your knees and below, your knees to hips, and then everything above.

Many golfers get to the top of their swing, then immediately engage their upper bodies which results in an over the top swing. This also causes the club to cut across the ball, killing your distance and your accuracy.

Downswing drill

I want you to focus on pausing at the top of the swing. Return your knees back to their start position, and allow your lower half to continue moving to bring in section two. The final piece of the jigsaw will naturally fall into place, as your upper body can then release through impact.

It is, of course, easier said than done. It will take some time to implement into your swing, and is something you should practice at the driving range, but it should feel like your arms and hands are staying higher for longer.

The last thing you want is them being the driving force behind starting the downswing sequence. Rather, you want them to be pulled down last by the rest of 'the chain'.

The chain works from the ground up. We’ve all heard of using the ground - this is it in action. So, section one goes first, then it’s over to your knees and hips, before the upper body works down into impact.

By clearing your lower half first, your hands and arms will have more space and time to square the club up and deliver it efficiently into impact.

With your driver, this will enable you to generate a lot more power and control than before, while you'll finally be able to master how to compress the golf ball with your irons.

As with most of the best golf drills, it's easier to start slow. Make some practice swings trying to feel each section of the body working as it should. Start off swinging at half speed, and then gradually ramp it up as you begin to feel more comfortable. Over time, you'll hone an excellent transition and downswing sequence.