Stuart from SM Golf Coaching breaks down the 'Wide, Narrow, Wide' concept used by professional golfers to optimize ball striking and speed. He explains that while pros maintain width in the backswing and extension in the follow-through, amateurs often do the opposite by casting the club and 'chicken-winging' the finish. The video provides a simple half-swing drill using a wedge or 9-iron to help players feel the correct arm positions and naturally develop lag.
Professionals maintain a wide hand-to-chest distance halfway back and full arm extension halfway through.
The 'narrow' component (lag) happens naturally on the downswing if the backswing is sufficiently wide and forceful.
Amateurs often struggle because they are narrow going back (folding arms) and wide coming down (casting).
Use a pitching wedge or 9-iron to perform half-swing reps, pausing to check for full arm extension in the follow-through.
Applying force early in the backswing helps engage larger muscles like the chest and hips rather than just using the arms.
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