As Lifestyle Editor for The Daily Duffer, I’m always looking for ways to bridge the gap between the game we love and the lives we lead. Golf, for me, isn’t just about the strokes on the scorecard; it’s about the discipline, the mental game, the connection to nature, and yes, the pursuit of improvement – both on and off the course.
Lately, I’ve noticed a real buzz around swing speed. It’s the holy grail for many golfers, promising longer drives, more aggressive play, and perhaps, a little more swagger on the tee box. We all dream of that effortless power, that satisfying “thwack” that sends the ball soaring. But achieving it? That can feel like chasing a phantom.
I know the feeling. Like many of you, I’ve spent countless hours on the range, convinced that if I just swung harder, pushed more, something would click. And sometimes, it does! That fleeting moment of a personal best on the simulator is pure joy. But then, there are the plateaus, the sluggish days, the frustration that can creep into our otherwise joyful golf experience.
It’s this relatable struggle that drew me to a recent insight from none other than Bernie Najar, a GOLF Top 100 Teacher and a true legend in the world of swing speed. Bernie, who’s coached some of the longest hitters in the game, including Kyle Berkshire, has a perspective that resonated deeply with my own philosophy: golf, like life, benefits from intention and a shift in perspective.
Last winter, during the Top 100 Teacher Summit, I had the privilege of joining Bernie for a speed training boot camp. My goal was simple: unlock the secrets to more power. And what I learned wasn’t just a technical tip; it was a mindset shift that can be applied to so much more than just our golf swing.
The “Early Energy” Principle: More Than Just a Golf Tip
One of the most enduring, and perhaps misleading, adages in golf is the idea of taking the club back “low and slow.” It sounds so Zen, so controlled. But if your goal is raw power and increased clubhead speed, Bernie Najar reveals that this advice might actually be holding you back.
“What’s important to realize is that energy into the club happens early in the backswing. It’s not ‘take it back slow.‘”
This was a revelation for me. We’re taught to meticulously control the initial movement, almost as if the backswing is a delicate ballet. But Bernie’s point is profound: the speed you generate at impact is directly connected to how you initiate that motion.
Think about it. If you’re building momentum in your everyday life, whether it’s starting a new fitness routine, tackling a big project at work, or even just getting out the door in the morning – a strong, decisive start often sets the tone for powerful execution. Lagging at the beginning often leads to playing catch-up later.
“To get the maximum amount of energy into the golf club — and generate more speed — it’s important to put that energy into the club as soon as possible.”
This isn’t about wildly flailing the club. It’s about intentional acceleration. It’s about recognizing that the “reservoir of speed” you can draw upon through impact is largely built in those crucial early moments of the backswing. Watching players like Bryson DeChambeau, you see this principle in action. His takeaway isn’t a gentle waltz; it’s a purposeful, rapid engagement, priming the pump for the explosive downswing.
“We’ve got to get you putting more into the golf club early. Putting more into the golf club means you really have to rev it up a little.”
Actionable Takeaways for Your Game and Your Life
So, how can we apply this? On the course, the advice is clear: don’t be afraid to initiate your backswing with more pace. Experiment with a slightly faster takeaway. It might feel counterintuitive at first – a little out of control, perhaps – but the goal is to build that early energy store.
Off the course, this “early energy” principle has fascinating parallels for our lifestyle. How often do we approach new challenges with hesitation, with a “low and slow” mentality, hoping to ease into it? What if we instead “revved it up a little” from the very beginning?
- Fitness: Instead of a timid first rep, can you approach your warm-up or first set with more intent and dynamism? That initial burst of energy can carry through your entire workout.
- Wellness: If you’re trying a new mindfulness practice or setting a new healthy habit, commit to a decisive start. Don’t just “think about” meditating; actually sit down and begin with a clear intention.
- Personal Projects: Got a creative endeavor or a home project? Instead of procrastinating on the initial steps, can you attack the very beginning with a focused, energetic push? Often, that initial momentum makes the rest of the task feel less daunting.
This isn’t about being frantic or rushed; it’s about being purposeful and channeling energy effectively from the outset. It’s a challenge to our need for absolute control, but it opens the door to discovering untapped potential. Just as Bernie Najar suggests we have more speed in the tank than we thought on the golf course, I believe we often have more “early energy” to deploy in our lives than we realize.
Next time you step onto the tee, remember the “low and slow” adage, and then politely disregard it if you’re chasing distance. Give your backswing a deliberate, energetic start. And perhaps, when you’re facing a new goal in your life, consider if a little more “revving up” at the beginning might just propel you further than you ever imagined.
