What does the left hand do on the downswing?
Daniel Moore
Published Jan 16, 2026
The left hand is a good focal point because the hands are the only parts of the body on the club. In fact, think of the back of the left hand as the clubface: If the hand stays steady, so does the face. A square face going back boosts your chances of getting back to impact square, which is the ultimate goal.
What does the left hand do in the golf downswing?
The left hand (the right for southpaws), is responsible for the rotational movement of the golf club, which, in turn, controls the direction of the clubface.
Does the left arm start the downswing?
This rotation is internal rotation of the left arm. As we come into impact and during the early phases of the downswing this internal rotation actually slightly increases by a few degrees. This really happens during the transition as the arms begin to fall, and the left arm begins to ready itself for impact.
What hand controls the downswing?
When you think about a right-handed golfer, their left hand is on top of the club, and it is used to help pull the club through and initiate the downswing. For left-handed players, their right hand is on the top part of the grip.
What does the left shoulder do in the downswing?
The left shoulder resists while the right shoulder continues to move. Many amateurs turn the shoulders together in the backswing and downswing, leading to swing-path issues that cause them to hit slices and pulls. When the left shoulder stops, there's still some work to do.
32 related questions foundShould right shoulder be lower than left golf swing?
The right shoulder will sit lower than the left due to how we hold the club. Once the right shoulder is sitting lower than the left, the club will be able to move on the correct swing path in both the backswing and downswing.
Do you start golf swing with left shoulder?
The simplest way to start a sound backswing is with the left arm and shoulder (for right-handed players). By gently rotating away from the ball, the left side puts the club on plane and signals the left hip to turn in the same direction. The result is an efficient, in-sync swing that's connected and coiled.
Which hand leads the downswing in golf?
indeed, the world's longest hitters lead with the left. The best way to feel the proper start of the downswing is to imagine that your right arm is being pulled by the left for as long as possible.
What does the right hand do in the downswing?
As long as the left hand and arm remains in control, the right hand will play its proper part, at the proper time. It is essential to realise the shaft and club-head are maintained behind the hands during the downswing. When so positioned, the hands sensing and anticipating the release throughout the movement.
Which arm is most important in golf swing?
Overview. For right-handed golfers, the left arm is one of the most important aspects of the golf swing. The left arm determines the swing arc for a shot and helps release and rotate the wrists and club on the downswing.
Is the left arm dominant in the golf swing?
The left hand and arm must play the dominant role in the swing at all times. If it does not, you have no alternative but to over employ the right hand, The right hand can only dominate if the left hand and arm fails to play its controlling role.
Does left arm stay straight in golf swing?
So, what is the correct way to do it? Golfers should try and keep their left arm as straight as possible without it being rigid, or locked, but some bend is fine. Most professional players start with a straight left arm at address, which bends to around five degrees at top of their backswing.
Should left arm be straight at impact?
A. You are correct, the left arm should be straight at impact. But let's not confuse straight with stiff. The straightening of the left arm is the response to a proper release of the golf club, not something you will need to try to do at the moment of impact.
Which hand is dominant in golf?
Given the number of people who are right-handed, naturally, more golfers would say left is the proper dominant hand and arm when in-game. To correct this, Glenn Hall, a famous instructor, helps us with understanding this properly by clarifying that the hand must be used to hit the ball but the lead arm leads the swing.
How do you close the club face on the downswing?
Closing the Clubface
- Use a stronger grip. ...
- Check your clubface positions at key points in the backswing. ...
- Bow your left wrist at the start of the downswing. ...
- Swing the club back to the ball from inside the target line. ...
- Lead the club into the ball with an arched left wrist. ...
- Rotate your body as you swing through the ball.
How do you know if your right or left handed in golf?
Start by setting the club head of a golf club on the ground (or a flat surface), and keep the clubface directed towards you. If the hosel is angled to the right, then you're holding a right-handed golf club.
Which hand is dominant in Chipping?
For years it has been taught that when you're chipping, the left arm governs the motion and controls the clubface.
Should lefties play golf right-handed?
As GOLF Top 100 Teacher Terry Rowles explains here, there's no right or wrong way of doing it. When a right-handed plays golf left-handed, or vice-versa, your dominant arm becomes your lead arm, which can make it harder to release the club.
What part of the body starts the backswing in golf?
HOW TO START BACK. The motion you want off the ball is a pushing back movement by the left hand (pictured above). This creates a basically straight start to the swing and wide extension. It also gets the left shoulder turning back so the upper body starts to coil against a stable lower body.
How do you rotate your shoulders in the downswing?
Your shoulders should be parallel to your target line at impact, no earlier or later. During the downswing, your shoulder tilt will do the exact opposite: You want to begin the process of pointing your back shoulder directly at the ball on the ground.
How important is shoulder turn in golf?
The importance of this move cannot be overstated. A full turn of the shoulders can have a positive chain reaction throughout the rest of your golf swing – it will keep your chest and arms connected, and you'll also generate greater width in your backswing.
Should shoulders be back in golf swing?
Push Back the Shoulders
Next, you want to take your shoulders and push them back. A lot of times, the tendency is to hunch over the golf ball.