Mastering the Impact Bag

The impact bag is the ultimate lie detector for your delivery. If you flip your wrists or cast the club, the bag will tell you instantly. Here is the correct protocol for using one.

The Setup

Fill the bag with old towels or clothes—never sand or anything heavy, as it will break your club shafts. Place the bag on the ground, and address it as if it were a golf ball sitting exactly in the center of the bag's face.

The Drill: 9-to-Impact

1. Take the club back only to 9 o'clock (lead arm parallel to ground).
2. Initiate the downswing with your lower body, clearing your left hip.
3. Deliver the clubhead into the bag at roughly 30% speed.
4. FREEZE AT IMPACT.

The Checkpoints

When you freeze at impact against the bag, look down and verify the following:

• Shaft Lean: Your hands must be visibly ahead of the clubhead, pressing the shaft into a forward lean.
• Face Angle: The leading edge of the clubface must be perfectly square and flush against the bag. If the toe hits first, your face is closed. If the heel hits first, your face is open.
• Lead Wrist: Your lead wrist should be flat or slightly bowed, absolutely never cupped.
• Weight Distribution: 80% of your pressure should be in your lead foot.