How to 'release' my swing

Usually when i'm at the range, i'm able to release my downswing (ie. just let go during the downswing all the way to the finishing). However, once I go on course, i tend to hold back and control my downswing. End result, my balls don't go the intended distance. I think I'm afraid to release because I feel that if I release my downswing, I will end up taking divot before the ball.. hence the ball won't 'fly'. So if i force myself to release my swing, I will end up topping the ball as i tend to straighten my body up in order to avoid taking divot before the ball. Or.. most of the time, I'll just control my swing.

How can I break this mental barrier? Any good drill that I can do to give me the confidence to just release my swing?

Thanx in advance.

Get a coach, get a consistent set up, in no time, u will have no fear..

have a solid pre-shot routine. get rid of all the technical thoughts once you setup at the ball, just look at the target, visualize the shot and trust your swing and execute.

For me, the more i focus on my target and the lesser i focus on swing mechanics, the better i hit the ball.

yahh.. keep telling myself trust my swing.. but somewhere at the back of my mind.. sub-consciously.. will have these thoughts.. haizz.. I guess I'll have to keep playing at the course and build up my confidence from there..

and if I may add.. most of the time when I do practise swings, it feels damn solid.. but once I step up and put the club behind the ball.. everything falls apart.. hahahahahha..

Cyrano wrote:

and if I may add.. most of the time when I do practise swings, it feels damn solid.. but once I step up and put the club behind the ball.. everything falls apart.. hahahahahha..

then in your practise swing, think of it as u have oreadi hit your ball....

once u step up, u are merely replaying the shot from your practise swing....

no pressure lor....

will try.. thanx

take a look @ tis link

hope it help..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzwzPMyDQe4&feature=related

thanks! needed this tip also

ahh.. videojug.. how can I forget.. hahahaha

I learn today that the release is only possible from the correct top of swing position. Also what I thought was a "release" was just me flipping my wrists over trying to prevent my slice. This was causing either pulling shots to the left or slicing if I not flip enough. Some time the ball straight but not often enough. When I seen a video of my backswing it all made sense. Now need to train harder on my positions.

Cyrano wrote:

Usually when i'm at the range, i'm able to release my downswing (ie. just let go during the downswing all the way to the finishing). However, once I go on course, i tend to hold back and control my downswing. End result, my balls don't go the intended distance. I think I'm afraid to release because I feel that if I release my downswing, I will end up taking divot before the ball.. hence the ball won't 'fly'. So if i force myself to release my swing, I will end up topping the ball as i tend to straighten my body up in order to avoid taking divot before the ball. Or.. most of the time, I'll just control my swing.

How can I break this mental barrier? Any good drill that I can do to give me the confidence to just release my swing?

Thanx in advance.

You are not alone, i am also having the same problems, taken up lessons and currently working towards a more consistent swing and not using my arms but hips for the swing.

My own experience is that if the issue is related to hitting off grass, then you have to find some time to practice ball striking off grass.

Turf City range is good. If you can strike the ball off the crappy lies there, you can strike off any type lie.

Derek wrote:

My own experience is that if the issue is related to hitting off grass, then you have to find some time to practice ball striking off grass.

Turf City range is good. If you can strike the ball off the crappy lies there, you can strike off any type lie.

Will find some time to visit turf city. I am staying in the north hence usually visit ranges near my area.

maybe u can seek advice from the honourable Muar Chee.

He has many great experiences and knowledge in 'releasing' swing.

When i play with him, he like to 'release' his club during and after his swing.

Look for a point on the grass after the ball position - 4-6 inches and pretend that there is a 2nd ball you need to contact after your first ball. That should help you throw out your club & and the "release" you need.

Derek wrote:

My own experience is that if the issue is related to hitting off grass, then you have to find some time to practice ball striking off grass.

Turf City range is good. If you can strike the ball off the crappy lies there, you can strike off any type lie.

turf city range is green fairways ??

Nope ... Green Fairways entrance on the way to PIE, Turf City Range is way inside, past the carpark for the GIANT supermarket.

okok i will go and try, wanna try hitting off the grass on a range rather than always hitting off a mat. thank you derek.

cant find their address on any magazines though.

Ant wrote:

Look for a point on the grass after the ball position - 4-6 inches and pretend that there is a 2nd ball you need to contact after your first ball. That should help you throw out your club & and the "release" you need.

idea is to accelerate thru impact

Don't think so much lor. Feel you are sweeping the grass. Swing up, down all the way and through. Enjoy the feeling :-)