Karate-Like Chop

Describing the downswing or approach to impact can be a difficult one to put into words. There are few images that adequately illustrate the feels that one sees with top players. One image that has caught my attention over the years is the comparison of the left arm’s approach to impact like that of a karate chop into a board.

Martial artists will typically use a karate chop strike with the pinky pad side of the hand, not the back of the hand. Most blows are done downward, where the golf arm swing would be approaching from the side. Imagine the left arm swinging across the chest approaching the ball as if there were a board near impact. The pinky side pad leads the way with possible help from a leading elbow as well.

Trying to “hit the board with the back of the hand” means an early squaring of the clubface and a weak impact. All top powerful strikes are lead by the karate like action and then followed by forearm rotation. I’ve never liked the phrase “pull the handle” at the ball, so I’ve preferred this imagery instead.