Welcome back to The Daily Duffer, where we explore how golf isn’t just a game, it’s a way of life! As your Lifestyle Editor, I’m always on the hunt for those nuggets of wisdom that don’t just improve your scorecard, but genuinely elevate your experience on and off the course. Today, we’re diving into something that, let’s be honest, nearly every golfer dreams of: more distance. And what if I told you the secret to unlocking that extra swing speed isn’t just about brute force, but about a subtle shift in mindset and mechanics that can translate to more confidence, a better workout, and even a more exciting approach to your game?
I’ve witnessed it countless times – the collective groan on the range when a drive doesn’t quite meet expectations, or the pure elation when someone absolutely crushes one. There’s a certain primal satisfaction in a powerful, well-struck golf shot, isn’t there? It’s not just about the numbers flashing on a simulator screen; it’s about that feeling of effortless power, the sound of the ball launching, and the sheer joy of seeing it fly further than ever before.
For many of us, myself included, the pursuit of swing speed can feel like a roller coaster. Some days, you feel like you could outdrive a cart, and others, it feels like your club is dragging through quicksand. The plateaus are arguably the most frustrating part. You hit a wall, and no matter how many extra reps you put in, that number just won’t budge. This past winter, I found myself in that exact spot. After weeks of stagnant numbers, I felt like I was running on empty, out of ideas.
That’s when I turned to an expert whose name echoes through the halls of golf instruction: Bernie Najar. He’s not just a GOLF Top 100 Teacher and a mentor to some of the longest hitters in the world, like Kyle Berkshire; he’s also someone who understands the human element of the swing. During a speed training boot camp at the Top 100 Teacher Summit, Bernie dropped a truth bomb that completely reframed my understanding of power, and I believe it will do the same for you.
Rethinking the Takeaway: The Lifestyle of Power
We’ve all heard it, haven’t we? That age-old golf adage: “take it back slow and low.” It’s been drilled into us from our earliest lessons, suggesting a gentle, controlled start to the swing. And while control is important, if your goal is to genuinely increase your clubhead speed and add some serious yards to your drives, Bernie Najar has a different perspective.
“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 isn’t just a technical tip; it’s a lifestyle shift in your approach to the game. Think about it: how often do we hear about golfers “playing conservatively” or “holding back”? This mindset often bleeds into our swing mechanics. We fear losing control, so we dial back the throttle from the get-go. But what if embracing a bit more aggression, a bit more intent, right from the start, was the key to unlocking your full potential?
Bernie challenges this conventional wisdom head-on, suggesting that if you want more power, you need to think about speeding up long before impact. In essence, the speed you generate at impact is directly connected to how you initiate your swing. The “low and slow” mantra, according to Najar, is, well, “a load of BS” if speed is your primary goal.
Unleashing Your Inner Bryson: Embrace the Fast Start
Consider the most powerful swings in golf – Bryson DeChambeau immediately comes to mind. His takeaway isn’t gingerly controlled; it’s a dynamic, powerful initiation of motion. This isn’t an accident. It’s a deliberate strategy to infuse maximum energy into the club as early as possible. This aggressive start allows the kinetic chain to build momentum, creating a slingshot effect that translates to explosive speed through the ball.
“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.”
This “revving it up” isn’t about being wild or reckless. It’s about intentional energy. It’s about committing to power from the very first movement. This kind of physical commitment on the course reflects a certain mental fortitude off it. It’s about taking charge, making a decision, and executing with conviction.
For the average golfer, this might feel counterintuitive at first. Our instincts tell us to maintain control, especially during the backswing. But I encourage you to step outside your comfort zone. The next time you’re on the range or even just practicing in your backyard, try this:
Actionable Takeaway: The Intentional “Fast Start” Drill
- Set Up Normally: Address the ball as you usually would, focusing on good posture and balance.
- Shift Your Mindset: Instead of thinking “slow and smooth,” think “dynamic and deliberate.”
- Initiate with Purpose: As you start your backswing, consciously accelerate the club away from the ball. Don’t snatch it, but feel a distinct “oomph” as you begin the motion. Imagine you’re trying to quickly gather energy, not slowly extend it.
- Feel the Momentum: Notice how this immediate energy transfer creates a different feeling throughout your backswing. It might feel less “controlled” in the traditional sense, but more charged.
This technique challenges our ingrained need for control, but the payoff can be significant. You might find reserves of speed you didn’t even know you possessed. It’s not just about hitting the ball further; it’s about pushing your boundaries, discovering new capabilities, and perhaps even injecting a new level of excitement and athleticism into your golf game.
“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.”
This philosophy goes beyond the golf course. It’s about approaching challenges in life with a belief in your own power, not timidly holding back. Embrace the dynamic start, not just in your backswing, but in your daily pursuits. You might be surprised at the untapped energy you uncover.
Bernie Najar’s insight reminds us that sometimes, the most profound changes come from questioning long-held beliefs. So, next time you tee it up, don’t just “take it back slow.” “Rev it up a little.” Unleash that early energy. You might just find yourself walking off the 18th with more than just a lower score – you’ll have a newfound sense of power and exhilaration that transcends the game itself. Here’s to a lifestyle of powerful swings and even more powerful living!
