Early Extension – What is it?

Early Extension is one of the most common swing characteristics in golf but it may be a term you are not familiar with. It can simply be defined as any forward movement of the pelvis toward the ball on the backswing or downswing. The Titleist Performance Institute did some research and tested over 90,000 club golfers worldwide and found that 67% had early extension in their swings. They also looked at over a 100, PGA, European and LPGA golfers and found 99 % of them don’t have early extension.

This swing characteristic in general terms means we have a lack of stability in the core and lower regions of the swing. This leads to inconsistency, disconnection with swing segments and poor sequencing. In simple terms, poor efficiency.

This swing movement is caused, initially anyway, by certain physical limitations. For example, generalized stiffness in the musculature and joints of the lower body tends to cause a poor address position and force players to alter their spinal posture throughout the golf swing.  Also if the pelvis is unable to rotate around the lead hip due to joint or muscular restrictions then forward and lateral movements tend to occur. The ability to separate your upper body from your lower body allows the lower body to stabilize while rotating your shoulders through impact.

All of the physical issues can be shown up in your ability to do a deep squat (see previous blog “Squat for better control”). The simple idea of improving your ability to do this exercise properly can have an amazing effect on your chances of swinging the club well.

Appointments with Paul for golf lessons in Wicklow can be booked via Powerscourt Golf Club Reception: Tel (01) 204 6033 or the Golf Shop Tel (01) 204 6031. Read more about lessons from Paul Thompson by visiting the Powerscourt Golf Club Website.