THE SPLIT GRIP DRILL

Just watch a good player strike iron shots. He swings so smoothly-in total balance-and yet the ball just jumps off the clubface. Even the sound at impact is different than that produced by a mid-handicapper's wing.

The difference? The good player understands the concept of releasing the clubhead powerfully through the ball. He doesn't need to swing out of his shoes; he swings smoothly back and through the transition at the top of the swing.

All of the power is generated by the release (the rotation of the right hand over the left that powers the clubface squarely into the ball) through the hitting zone-from the point that the club is hip-high in the forwardswing through the hip-high position in the follow-through.

The concept of releasing the clubhead is a slippery one for most amateurs-it's difficult to understand until you actually feel it for the first time. Here's a great drill to help you get the feel of a fundamentally sound, powerful release action: The next time you're on the practice tee, hit some balls with a 7-iron. Now, keeping your left hand (for right-handed golfers) in the same position, drop your right hand down on the club five or six inches.

Take a few practice swings to get adjusted to this grip and then hit a few balls.

As you hit balls with this split grip, note the feeling of your hands and arms through the impact zone. Can you feel your right hand and arm rolling over your left, with your left elbow remaining close to your side through the ball? This is the feeling of that proper release you've heard and read so much about.

Alternate practice shots with this split grip and your standard grip until you begin incorporating some of this hand and wrist action into your normal swing. You'll know you have it when that annoying weak fade turns into a crisply struck draw.