Ball Flight Laws #1 - Clubhead Speed

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Golf swings come in all shapes and sizes. Just watch a PGA Tour event, and you’ll see everything from textbook mechanics to quirky, one-of-a-kind motions. Yet, despite these differences, the scores are strikingly similar. Why? Because the golf ball doesn’t care how your swing looks—it only responds to five key factors, known as the Five Ball Flight Laws.

Over the next five weeks, The Approach will break down these fundamentals: club head speed, centeredness of contact, angle of attack, swing path, and clubface angle. These are the building blocks of every golf shot, and when an instructor makes changes to your swing, these are the things they’re working to influence. If they’re not? They might be missing the mark—because in the end, nothing else truly matters.

This week, we’re diving headfirst into the most exhilarating of the five: club head speed. Generating speed is a thrill, but too much can quickly lead to chaos. We’ll talk about finding that balance between power and control so you can swing faster and smarter.

So buckle up and get ready to put the pedal to the metal! And stick with us in the coming weeks as we explore the other elements that make your game tick. By the end, you’ll not only understand how to shape your shots but also why every adjustment matters.

Let’s get started!

BALL FLIGHT LAWS

Buckle Up—Let’s Talk About Speed!

Club Head Speed: The Thrill and the Danger

If you’ve spent any time in the golf world recently, you’ve probably noticed a growing obsession with club head speed. And why not? A faster swing means longer drives, shorter approach shots, and maybe even the satisfaction of out-driving your buddies. But here’s the catch: chasing speed without understanding control—or the role of relaxation—can send your game spinning out of control.

Let’s turn to NASCAR for a moment. In racing, drivers talk about cars being “loose” or “tight.” A loose car is fast—it can zip around corners and fly down straightaways. But it’s also risky, teetering on the edge of spinning out. A tight car, on the other hand, feels safer and easier to manage, but it sacrifices speed.

Now, here’s where it gets interesting: that car’s tightness has a direct parallel to your golf swing. Think of tightness as muscle tension. When your body is too tense, it’s like driving a car with the brakes slightly engaged. Tension limits range of motion, slows down your swing, and kills the fluidity needed to generate real speed.

Relaxation is key to letting your swing move freely. Loose muscles allow for a dynamic, powerful swing—one that accelerates smoothly, much like a race car coming out of a turn with its engine roaring. But relaxation isn’t about being floppy; it’s about finding the balance between control and fluidity.

Balancing Speed and Control

Just like a race car driver needs to adjust their setup for each track, you need to find the sweet spot in your golf swing. Too much tension, and you’ll struggle to generate the club head speed needed for distance. But too loose, and your swing becomes erratic, leading to inconsistent strikes and missed fairways.

Your job as a golfer is to tune your “engine”—your body—for optimal performance. Relaxation allows you to unlock speed without losing control, making every part of your swing work together seamlessly. When your body and mind are in sync, you’ll find that perfect balance of power and precision.

The Takeaway

Speed is thrilling, no doubt about it. But like a NASCAR driver navigating a tricky track, you need control to make speed work for you. Embrace relaxation, refine your setup, and don’t let tension hold you back.

After all, the fastest car isn’t always the one with the pedal floored—it’s the one that knows how to handle the curves. Your golf swing is no different.

SPONSORED

Take Control of Your Speed—and Your Game

Ready to unlock your potential and add power to your swing? Mike Quinlan’s personalized instruction can help you find the balance between speed and control, so you play your best golf with confidence.

Here’s what one student had to say:
"Mike broke the swing into simple steps and instilled confidence I’ve never had before. I’m finally on my way to becoming the golfer I want to be!"

Mike teaches at North Hills Country Club in Menomonee Falls, WI. Contact him today to schedule your personalized lesson and take the first step toward better golf!

PODCAST

Unlocking the Secrets to Better Golf with Jake Van Fleet

Have you ever wondered what it takes to turn your golf game—and your entire approach to the sport—into something more intentional, enjoyable, and rewarding? This week on The Approach, I sat down with Jake Van Fleet, Head Golf Professional at North Hills Country Club, to dig into the power of relationships, the art of golf course architecture, and the secret ingredients to better instruction.

Jake’s approach to the game is as refreshing as it is insightful. From his unique journey growing up on a golf course to becoming an expert in building connections with players, Jake shares the strategies that help him thrive in the service-driven world of golf. He also reveals how understanding course design can elevate your game in ways you never imagined. Whether you’re a beginner looking to get started or a seasoned player wanting to sharpen your skills, Jake’s practical tips and teaching philosophy will leave you inspired to hit the course with a new mindset.

Curious? Don’t miss this episode—listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or where ever you listen to your favorite podcasts to uncover how relationships, architecture, and a little deliberate focus can transform your game! You can also watch on YouTube.