Hold The Finish — Golf Drill

A 'hold the finish' drill is a diagnostic practice technique where a golfer maintains their end-of-swing posture for several seconds to verify balance, clubhead control, and swing path integrity. Designed for everyone from high-handicap slicers to competitive single-digits, this drill solves the 'hit-and-fidget' syndrome—that frustrating moment where you lash at the ball and immediately lose your footing. If you find yourself falling off the ball or 'releasing' too early, your follow-through is

How long should I actually hold the finish during practice?

Aim for a 3-second hold. This is long enough for your brain to register your body position and for you to check key markers like your weight distribution and wrist angles.

What if I keep falling backward when I try to hold the finish?

This usually means your weight stayed on your back foot. Focus on getting your chest to face the target and your trailing heel completely off the ground, as seen in [Dan Grieve's](/creator/dangrievegolf) drills.

Does holding the finish help with my swing speed?

Indirectly, yes. By practicing a controlled finish, you learn the 'speed capacity' of your current technique. Once you can hold it consistently, you can gradually increase speed while maintaining that same balance.

How each of them teaches it

Coaches who demonstrate the hold the finish drill, each linked at the second they start.

  1. Cordie Walker GolfWell: The Scoring Method System That Cuts Strokes Immediately (from 19:12). Focus on swinging completely through the ball into a balanced finish position and holding it for 3 seconds, encouraging full motion rather than hitting at the ball.
  2. Tropicana Entertainment: A great player was made yesterday. (from 0:58). After striking the ball, the player must hold their follow-through position for a full five seconds to ensure balance and proper weight transfer.
  3. Dan Grieve: Hold the finish! 🧠 (from 0:01). After hitting a chip shot, freeze in the follow-through to analyze the club head height and grip position to diagnose impact errors.
  4. Todd Graves: The Lower Body Move That Made Moe Norman Unmatched | 5 Things Moe Did – Part 2 (from 4:58). Hit smooth shots at partial speed and freeze in the finish position to monitor body rotation, side bend, balance, and post-impact club plane.
  5. CK Golf : I’ll never stop doing these! #golfswing #golftips #golfswingtips #golfshorts #golfcoach #golftip (from 0:02). A rhythm-based drill where the golfer holds their follow-through position until the ball lands to ensure balance and control.

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