Rejuvenate Your Golf Game: Expert Tips from Michelle Wie West for Getting Back in the Swing After a Layoff

By: Zephyr Melton
Date Published: May 22, 2025

Taking breaks from golf is something most enthusiasts experience. Whether due to work commitments, family responsibilities, or seasonal factors, many golfers find themselves stepping away from the green for stretches at a time. Though life keeps us busy, it’s essential to understand how to regain your golf rhythm when you return to the course. Following a prolonged hiatus, your golf swing may feel awkward, making it challenging to hit that sweet spot on the clubface.

The experience of returning to golf after a break can often be daunting. Your previously honed skills might feel rusty or completely out of reach. Yet, regardless of your time off, the fundamental techniques you previously mastered are still embedded within you; it’s just a matter of displacing the rust and reacquainting yourself with the rhythm of the game. Embracing simple drills can help smooth the transition back into your routine, and there’s no better guide than the former U.S. Women’s Open champion, Michelle Wie West.

Understanding the Importance of the Golf Swing

It’s crucial to appreciate that the golf swing is a finely tuned combination of physical and mental skills. The initial movements of your swing are foundational for ensuring solid connections and consistent accuracy. As any seasoned golfer knows, the takeaway—the first stage of your swing—holds substantial importance. If this initial motion goes awry, it can derail the rest of your shot, often leading to either extreme slices or hooks that are frustrating to remedy.

Drill 1: Mastering the Takeaway

Michelle Wie West emphasizes the significance of initiating a strong takeaway. To practice this, place a golf ball directly behind your clubhead as you prepare to swing. Your objective is straightforward: push that ball directly back as you begin your swing. "This will help you start the club back the proper way," explains Wie West.

This simple exercise will not only help set you on the correct plane but will also instill a sense of rhythm that is vital for the remainder of your swing. By returning to such fundamentals, you can ease some of that pressure that comes with returning to the course after a break.

Drill 2: Hinge Then Turn

Once you’ve established a solid takeaway, the next stage is to ascend to the top of your backswing effectively. Wie West recommends practicing a drill she calls "hinge then turn." Begin from your starting position and hinge your wrists upward, followed by a smooth turn to the top of your backswing.

Practicing this action can create a strong visual of what your swing should feel like at the apex. It’s worth noting this drill is popular among many professional golfers, like Rory McIlroy and Nick Faldo, who rely on it to acquire the correct position at the peak of their swings.

Drill 3: Pause at the Top

After you’ve developed a sense of rhythm and position in the previous drills, the next exercise focuses on controlling your tempo. In the "pause at the top" drill, make a normal backswing but then halt for one or two seconds before transitioning into your downswing.

Wie West points out, “Chances are, your tempo will be super fast the first time you hit balls again.” The pause will not only help you regulate your speed but also engage your core muscles as you initiate your downswing, leading to better sequencing and consequently, improved contact with the ball.

Building Confidence for Your Return

Returning to the course after a long break may exacerbate self-doubt, particularly if your initial swings feel off. Remember that it’s perfectly normal to feel out of sorts after a layoff. Utilizing these drills, as recommended by Wie West, will aid in rekindling your confidence and returning to the elite level of performance you once enjoyed.

Confidence is pivotal in golf, influencing not just how you perform on the course, but also how you mentally approach each shot. When your muscles and mind reconnect through practice, you’ll find that even the most challenging shots can become manageable.

The Psychological Element of Golf

It’s equally vital to address the mental barriers that may accompany a long absence from the sport. Golf is as much a mental game as it is physical, so reassess your approach and attitude towards play.

As you complete these drills, visualize yourself succeeding on the course, replicating that feeling of joy when you make a clean hit. It’s a confident mindset that transcends physical technique, helping you cultivate a positive atmosphere for performance.

Consistency is Key

Incorporate these drills into your practice routine consistently. It’s essential to play a few rounds with a structured focus on these movements before diving into a competitive round. Practicing regularly will help solidify your muscle memory and improve your performance under pressure.

Don’t shy away from incorporating these drills when you feel your swing has become quirky or off-kilter. Treat every practice as a building block to becoming a better golfer.

The Role of Equipment

When returning to the sport, don’t overlook assessing your golf equipment. Ensure your clubs are in good condition; outdated gear can lead to further frustration, especially if they’re not suited to your swing type.

If you have changed physically during your layoff, it may be worth evaluating your club fittings. The proper equipment that complements your swing can dramatically influence your return to form, making each shot feel more natural and effortless.

The Joy of Golf

Most importantly, remember why you fell in love with golf in the first place. The game is designed to be enjoyed. Strive for improvement, but also allow yourself to have fun in the process. Celebrate small victories as you progressively knock off that rust.

Michelle Wie West’s expert drills serve as a guide to help facilitate a smooth return to golf. Each swing will tell a story of persistence and passion for the game. Embrace the journey, perform the drills, and soon enough, you’ll rediscover the joy that golf provides.

Conclusion

Reconnecting with your golf game after a layoff doesn’t need to be an overwhelming endeavor. By implementing small, practical drills that focus on the foundations of your swing, like those suggested by Michelle Wie West, you can effectively dispel any rust that’s formed over your absence. Remember, golf is a journey—both physically and mentally—which continues to evolve with each swing. Embrace each practice session as a step toward getting back into the game with genuine enjoyment and confidence.

By applying these techniques, both beginners and seasoned players can reinstate a powerful, fluid swing, making for enjoyable days on the course again. With dedication, practice, and a focus on fundamentals, the rough edges will smooth out, and you will quickly find your groove once more.