How to Increase Club Head Speed and Add 20+ Yards to Your Drive With Mark Sturgess

Why Club Head Speed Matters

Club head speed is a major contributor to how far the ball travels. As a general rule, every extra 1 mph of club head speed can add approximately 2–3 yards of distance. That means even a modest increase of 3–5 mph can result in 10–15 extra yards off the tee.

But speed isn’t just about swinging harder. In fact, trying to force speed often leads to poor contact, loss of balance, and inconsistent ball striking. The real key is efficient speed generated through better sequencing, improved rotation, and faster hands and wrists.

Start by Measuring a Baseline

Before you start making changes, it’s important to understand where you are right now.

Use a launch monitor or a reliable range device to record:

• Club head speed

• Carry distance

• Ball flight tendencies

For example, a typical baseline might look like:

• Club head speed: 93.2 mph

• Carry distance: 237 yards

Having these numbers gives you a clear starting point and allows you to track real progress. Without a baseline, it’s easy to feel like you’re improving without actually seeing measurable gains.

The Two Key Drills to Increase Speed

The goal of these drills is to create two powerful sensations in your swing:

1. More shoulder rotation

2. Faster hands and wrists

When combined, these elements help you generate more speed naturally—without forcing the motion.

1. Let the Left Heel Lift Slightly

This is a classic move seen in many great players, and it can make a huge difference to your ability to generate power.

Why it works:

Allowing your left heel to lift slightly during the backswing encourages a bigger shoulder turn. This increased rotation stores more energy, which can then be released through impact.

Many amateur golfers restrict their turn in an attempt to stay “stable,” but this often limits power. A small heel lift frees up the body and allows for a more dynamic, athletic motion.

How to do it:

• Set up to the ball as normal

• As you swing back, allow your left heel to rise slightly off the ground

• Focus on turning your shoulders more fully

• Keep your balance and posture—this is a subtle move, not a dramatic shift

Key feeling:

You should feel like your upper body is turning more freely, with less restriction from the lower body.

Practice tip:

Start with a few slow practice swings to get comfortable with the motion, then gradually build up to full swings while maintaining control.

2. The Reverse “Whoosh” Swing

This is one of the best drills for developing hand speed and wrist leverage, which are crucial for increasing club head speed.

Why it works:

Speed in the golf swing doesn’t just come from body rotation—it also comes from how efficiently your hands and wrists release the club.

The “whoosh” drill trains you to:

• Feel the clubhead moving faster

• Improve timing and release

• Develop a more dynamic swing

How to do it:

• Grip the club at the very end of the handle (butt end)

• Hold the clubhead slightly above the ground

• Swing the club in reverse direction around your body

• Focus on creating a loud “whoosh” sound in the air

Key focus points:

• The louder the whoosh, the faster the clubhead is moving

• Think about speed in your hands, not tension in your arms

• Keep the motion fluid and athletic

Repetitions:

Perform 5–6 swings to build the sensation before hitting balls.

Putting the Drills Together

Once you’ve practiced both drills individually, it’s time to integrate them into your full swing.

As you step up to the ball, focus on combining the two key sensations:

• A slightly lifted left heel to allow a bigger shoulder turn

• Quicker hands and wrists to generate speed through impact

This combination creates a powerful sequence:

1. Increased rotation stores energy

2. Faster hands release that energy efficiently

3. The result is higher club head speed—and more distance

Real Results You Can Expect

When applied correctly, these changes can lead to noticeable improvements in a short period of time.

For example:

• Initial club head speed: 93.2 mph

• After drills: 95.7 mph (+10 yards)

• After further practice: ~98 mph

This resulted in:

• Carry distance increasing by around 20 yards

These are realistic, achievable gains for many golfers, not just elite players.

A Simple Practice Plan

To get the most out of these drills, follow this structured routine during your range sessions:

1. Warm-Up (5 minutes)

• Dynamic stretches

• Short swings with wedges or irons

• Focus on loosening up your body

2. Establish a Baseline

• Hit 3 normal drives

• Record club head speed and carry distance

3. Reverse “Whoosh” Drill

• Perform 5–6 swings

• Focus on speed and sound

4. Integrated Swings

• Hit 6–8 drives

• Combine heel lift and faster hands

5. Re-Test

• Hit another 3 drives

• Compare your numbers to your baseline

6. Repeat

• Go through the sequence twice per session

• Focus on sensations, not brute force

Why Speed Alone Isn’t Enough

While increasing club head speed is important, it’s only part of the equation.

To maximise distance and consistency, you also need:

• A square club face at impact

• A good club path

• A positive or optimal attack angle

• Solid strike quality

If you add speed without control, you may see:

• More erratic ball flights

• Increased dispersion

• Loss of accuracy

The goal is controlled speed—where your technique supports the added power.

Quick Checklist Before You Hit the Range

Before your next session, keep these key points in mind:

• Measure a baseline so you can track progress

• Allow a slight left heel lift to increase rotation

• Use the reverse whoosh drill to train faster hands

• Combine both sensations in your full swing

• Focus on balance, control, and strike quality

Final Thoughts

Adding distance off the tee doesn’t have to be complicated. By focusing on just two key areas, rotation and hand speed, you can unlock extra power in your swing without sacrificing control.

Even small gains in club head speed can lead to meaningful improvements on the course. A few extra miles per hour might be the difference between:

• Reaching par 5s in two

• Hitting shorter approach shots

• Playing with more confidence off the tee

Commit to these drills, track your progress, and stay focused on the right sensations. With consistent practice, you’ll start to see the results not just on the launch monitor, but where it really counts: out on the course.

Enjoy more tips and drills from Mark Sturgess.