Hands and Arms Control The Clubface: Not the Hips and Torso | Padraig Harrington
Three-time Major Champion Padraig Harrington debunks the myth that the hips and torso control the clubface, arguing instead for active hand and arm involvement. He demonstrates how firing the hands from the top of the downswing actually creates more lag and provides better control over shot shaping. Through a series of demonstrations and the 'stepping drill,' Harrington shows golfers how to manipulate the clubface for consistent draws and fades.
Your hands and arms control 90% of the clubhead's speed and the face angle at impact.
Actively trying to 'release' or fire the hands from the top of the swing creates natural lag rather than casting.
Trying to hold off the release often leads to a 'stuck' position or a late flip, causing blocks and hooks.
Squaring the clubface is a function of the hands and arms, not hip rotation.
Practicing intentional hooks and fades helps you realize how much control your wrists and arms actually have over the ball's flight.