Hi, my name is Matt Baker, and I’m a Malaska Golf-certified coach based here in the UK. Today’s question comes from Chris Murrell—or Murrell (apologies if I’ve mispronounced your name). Chris asks, “When the moment of impact comes into play in the golf swing, is it the body or the momentum of the body that directs the club into the ball? Or is it the hands and arms that do this?”

This is a great question, and the answer is that it’s a combination of both. When you swing a golf club back, the momentum of the club starts first. As the swing transitions into the change of direction, the shoulders help direct the club. This change of direction creates the proper spine tilt as you move into your left side. It also helps establish the split or shift in momentum that directs the arms back down toward the ball.

From there, the momentum of the club pulls the hands, arms, and shoulders through the swing. The weight and inertia of the club, along with the forces you generate, all work together to create a fluid, coordinated motion. It’s not just one element doing all the work—they all play a role.

As the club starts back, momentum initiates the movement. Then, as you transition at the top of the swing, the shoulders guide the club back down. The key is to keep the shoulder sockets relaxed. If they’re relaxed, the transition happens naturally, allowing the forces and momentum to work efficiently.

It’s essential to keep everything smooth and relaxed, letting the momentum of the club swing around you. The club initiates the motion, the shoulders guide it, and the momentum pulls you through, delivering power and accuracy to your shot. This harmony of movement helps generate clubhead speed and ensures proper swing mechanics.

To summarize, it’s not about choosing between the body or the hands and arms—it’s about how the forces, momentum, and coordination between them all come together. Using momentum correctly and allowing it to work for you will help you swing on the right path and generate speed and power.

I hope that answers your question, Chris. Keep practicing, and I’ll catch you soon!