As Lifestyle Editor for The Daily Duffer, I’m always looking for ways golf transcends the course and weaves its way into our daily lives. We chase the perfect swing, the elusive birdie, and yes, that sweet, sweet feeling of pure power. There’s a thrill in hitting a drive that sails further than you thought possible, feeling that surge of speed. It’s an intoxicating pursuit, one that speaks to our innate desire for improvement, for pushing our own boundaries.
But let’s be honest, that chase can also be tough. I’ve had my fair share of simulator sessions where my swing felt like it was dragging through treacle, or weeks where I just couldn’t seem to squeeze an extra MPH out of my driver. It’s a common frustration, a plateau that many of us everyday golfers hit. We want more distance, more power, but sometimes, the path there feels hazy.
That’s why I was so intrigued when I stumbled upon a simple, yet profoundly impactful, piece of advice from swing-speed guru Bernie Najar. He’s a GOLF Top 100 Teacher who has coached some of the longest hitters in the game, including the formidable Kyle Berkshire. Bernie’s insights offer not just a technical tweak, but a fresh perspective on how we approach our game – and perhaps, even our lives.
Rethinking the Takeaway: Speeding Up Your Start
For years, golf wisdom has preached the “low and slow” takeaway. It’s ingrained in our minds, a mantra for control and rhythm. But what if that conventional wisdom is actually holding us back from unlocking our full potential? Bernie Najar challenges this notion directly, particularly for those of us striving for more power.
“What’s important to realize is that energy into the club happens early in the backswing,” Bernie says. “It’s not ‘take it back slow.‘”
This statement alone was a game-changer for me. It shifts the focus from a gentle, measured start to an energetic, intentional surge right from the beginning. Think about it: clubhead speed is measured at impact, but to generate that explosive force at the ball, the energy has to be built much earlier in the swing. It’s like revving an engine – you don’t wait until the finish line to hit the gas.
This isn’t just about raw power; it’s about efficiency. Bernie emphasizes that to maximize the energy transferred to the club, you need to initiate that transfer as soon as possible. He points to players like Bryson DeChambeau, whose rapid takeaway isn’t an accident, but a deliberate strategy to build momentum from the get-go. It’s a testament to how even the most established tenets of golf can be re-examined for personal growth and performance.
“We’ve got to get you putting more into the golf club early,” Bernie says. “Putting more into the golf club means you really have to rev it up a little.”
Beyond the Swing: A Lifestyle of Intentional Movement
I find this advice incredibly compelling because it extends beyond the golf course into how we approach other aspects of our lives. How often do we “start slow” in our daily routines, our fitness goals, or even our creative projects, only to find ourselves struggling to build momentum later? This concept of “revving it up” early can be a powerful metaphor for intentionality and proactive engagement.
Think about your morning routine. Do you slowly ease into the day, or do you “rev it up” with a quick burst of activity, a vibrant breakfast, or an immediate dive into your most important task? The principle of early energy input applies. If you’re building a new habit, do you gently dip your toe in, or do you commit with an initial burst of enthusiasm to establish a strong foundation?
For the golf enthusiast, this translates directly into actionable takeaways for your practice and preparation:
- Warm-up with Purpose: Don’t just go through the motions. Incorporate dynamic stretches and even a few faster, lighter swings to prepare your body for speed. Think about awakening your muscles, not just stretching them.
- Practice Early Acceleration: During your range sessions, deliberately focus on a quicker, more energetic takeaway. It might feel unnatural at first, challenging that ingrained desire for control, but stick with it. Feel the club loading faster.
- Embrace Controlled Aggression: This isn’t about wildly flailing but about channeling energy. It’s a mind-body connection – visualizing a powerful start and executing it with intention.
If you’re struggling to get more swing speed, give it a shot. It’ll challenge your need to feel in control throughout your entire swing, but you’ll also find that you have more speed in the tank than you thought.
Unlocking Your Inner Powerhouse
What I love most about Bernie’s simple tip is that it points to an untapped reservoir of speed and power within us. We often limit ourselves with old habits and conventional wisdom, fearing a loss of control. But by embracing a faster takeaway, we’re not losing control; we’re simply shifting how we generate it. We’re tapping into a more dynamic, explosive energy source.
This approach speaks to the golfer who wants to evolve, who isn’t content with “good enough.” It’s about personal growth, about understanding that sometimes, breaking free from the expected path is precisely how we unlock our best selves, both on and off the course. So, next time you step up to the tee, consider revving it up a little earlier.
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