Tom Stickney – A Top 100 Golf Teacher 

Swinging a golf driver with a wide arc width can have several benefits for your overall golf game. Here are some advantages of using a wide arc width with your driver:

1. Increased Distance: A wider arc allows for a longer swing, which can lead to higher clubhead speed and greater distance off the tee. The wider the arc, the more potential energy you can build up and release through impact.
2. Improved Power Generation: A wider arc width enables you to utilize your body's full range of motion, including a more extensive shoulder turn and hip rotation. This generates more power from your core muscles, resulting in a more forceful swing.
3. Efficient Energy Transfer: The wider arc allows you to load and transfer energy more effectively from your backswing to your downswing. This energy transfer results in a more powerful and controlled release of the clubhead through impact.
4. Consistent Swing Plane: A wide arc width promotes a smoother and more consistent swing plane. When you maintain a consistent plane throughout the swing, you're more likely to make solid contact with the ball and achieve a consistent ball flight.
5. Reduced Tension: A wide arc encourages a more relaxed and natural swing motion. Tension in the arms or wrists can negatively affect your swing speed and timing. By focusing on a wider arc, you can reduce unnecessary tension in your swing.
6. Enhanced Timing: A wide arc width allows for better synchronization of your body movements and club motion. This improved timing leads to a more fluid and rhythmic swing, resulting in more accurate and consistent shots.
7. Better Clubface Control: With a wider arc, you have more time to square the clubface at impact. This can help reduce mishits and promote a straighter ball flight.
8. Improved Extension: A wide arc width encourages better extension through the ball. This extension increases the likelihood of hitting the ball in the center of the clubface, maximizing distance and accuracy.
9. Enhanced Rotation: A wider arc width encourages a more complete shoulder turn and hip rotation. This leads to better coil and separation between your upper and lower body, resulting in a more powerful downswing.
10. Confidence Boost: As you practice and become comfortable with a wider arc width, you'll likely feel more confident in your ability to generate distance and hit consistent shots off the tee.

It's important to note that while a wider arc width can offer these benefits, it's essential to maintain proper balance and control throughout your swing. Overextending or losing balance due to an overly wide arc can lead to inconsistent shots. Working with a golf instructor can help you find the right balance and develop a swing that maximizes the advantages of a wide arc width while maintaining control and accuracy.

Q&A:

Q: What is a wide arc width in golf? A: A wide arc width in golf refers to the extension of the clubhead away from the body during the backswing and downswing. It involves a more extended rotational motion, allowing for a larger circular path of the clubhead.

Q: Why is a wide arc width beneficial for a golf swing? A: A wide arc width can lead to increased clubhead speed, more power generation, improved energy transfer, and better timing, ultimately resulting in longer and more accurate drives.

Q: How does a wide arc width contribute to increased distance? A: A wider arc allows for a longer swing, enabling you to generate greater clubhead speed. The increased speed, combined with efficient energy transfer, results in more distance off the tee.

Q: Can a wide arc width lead to inconsistency? A: While a wide arc width can provide advantages, overextending the arc can lead to inconsistency and loss of control. It's essential to find a balance that allows you to maintain control throughout the swing.

Q: Is a wide arc width suitable for all golfers? A: A wide arc width can benefit many golfers, especially those looking to add distance to their drives. However, it's crucial to adapt the swing to your physical abilities and maintain proper technique.

Q: How can I practice achieving a wide arc width? A: Focus on a smooth and gradual takeaway, allowing the club to extend naturally. A full shoulder turn and proper hip rotation contribute to widening the arc. Work with a golf instructor to ensure you're achieving a wide arc without sacrificing balance and control.

Q: What are some common mistakes golfers make when trying to achieve a wide arc width? A: One common mistake is overextending the backswing, which can lead to loss of balance and accuracy. Another mistake is sacrificing proper sequencing and timing in an attempt to swing wider. Practice and guidance from a professional can help you avoid these errors.

Q: How does a wide arc width affect accuracy? A: When executed correctly, a wide arc width can lead to improved accuracy due to better timing, clubface control, and consistent swing plane. However, it's essential to maintain balance and control to ensure accurate shots.

Q: Can a wide arc width help prevent slicing or hooking? A: Yes, a wide arc width can help prevent slicing and hooking by promoting a more square clubface at impact. It allows for better control over the clubface's orientation through the swing.

Q: Is a wide arc width more effective with specific clubs? A: A wide arc width can benefit all clubs, but it may be particularly advantageous with the driver due to the desire for increased distance. However, the principles of balance and control apply to all clubs.

Q: Should I focus solely on widening the arc width? A: While widening the arc can be beneficial, it's essential to maintain a balanced and coordinated swing. A wide arc width should be part of an overall well-executed golf swing.

Q: Can seniors and beginners benefit from a wide arc width? A: Yes, seniors and beginners can benefit from a wide arc width. It allows them to generate more power without relying solely on strength. However, it's crucial to adapt the width to individual capabilities.

Q: How can I integrate a wider arc width into my swing gradually? A: Start by focusing on a full shoulder turn and proper hip rotation during your backswing. Work with an instructor to ensure you're widening the arc without losing balance or control.

Q: What role does proper sequencing play in achieving a wide arc width? A: Proper sequencing ensures that each part of the swing contributes to widening the arc. Sequencing involves syncing up the movements of your body and the club throughout the swing.

Q: Can a wide arc width lead to inconsistency in shot direction? A: If not executed correctly, a wide arc width can potentially lead to inconsistency, particularly if it disrupts your swing's natural flow. Practice and guidance are crucial to finding the right balance.

Q: How can I evaluate if a wider arc width is suitable for my swing? A: Experiment with gradually widening your arc width during practice sessions. Monitor the impact on your swing speed, distance, and accuracy. Consult a professional to ensure you're making adjustments effectively.

Update:

There are several benefits to swinging a golf driver with a wide arc width.

• Increased clubhead speed: A wider arc allows you to generate more clubhead speed, which leads to longer drives. This is because the clubhead travels through a longer distance, which gives you more time to accelerate it.
• More consistent contact: A wider arc helps you make more consistent contact with the ball. This is because it allows you to square the clubface at impact, which is essential for hitting the ball straight.
• Reduced injuries: A wider arc can help reduce the risk of injuries, such as back pain and shoulder pain. This is because it puts less stress on your body.
• Improved feel: A wider arc can help you develop a better feel for the golf swing. This is because it allows you to feel the clubhead through the entire swing.

However, it is important to note that a wide arc is not always the best option for everyone. If you are not strong enough or flexible enough to swing a driver with a wide arc, you may be better off with a narrower arc. It is also important to make sure that you have a good grip and that you are aligned correctly.

If you are interested in trying a wider arc, start by making small adjustments to your swing. Gradually increase the width of your arc until you find a comfortable and consistent position. With practice, you should be able to generate more clubhead speed and hit longer and more consistent drives.

Here are some tips for swinging a golf driver with a wide arc:

• Start with a wider stance. This will give you more room to swing the club.
• Take a backswing that's not too long. A long backswing can make it difficult to turn your body through the swing. Aim for a backswing that's about 70% of your full range of motion.
• Turn your body through the swing. As you swing down, focus on turning your hips, shoulders, and torso. Keep your head still and your weight on your front foot.
• Swing the clubhead low to the ground. This will help you make contact with the ball on the sweet spot.
• Follow through with your swing. After you make contact with the ball, continue to turn your body and swing through the hitting zone.

With practice, you should be able to swing a golf driver with a wide arc and hit longer and more consistent drives.

Hi I'm Tom Stickney Golf Magazine Top 100 Instructor and today I want to talk to you about how to hit the big dog further by increasing your width in the backstroke. A lot of times people trying to hit a lot further they get up here they turn to the top they get a little stiff they can't turn quite as much arms tend to collapse given them a false sense of a big turn. The easiest way to make sure that you turn maximally and you have the most width to your backswing as well as length is to make sure when you take it to the top so arms don't bend but the right arm extends and that pulls the left arm to a straight taut condition you'll feel it pushing against right here.

That pressure point pushing against that thumb when you do that you're going to have a wider backstroke. So your shoulders going to turn if you're going to have a wide arm swing and then from there down all you can release all the way through it have maximum power. Remember if your arms break down that's wasted motion push those arms out away from the body but you know that right arm straight and that pressure point against the thumb. When you get to the top and you have that width you're going to find it that you're going to be able to hit the ball further than you ever thought possible.