15-Second Fix: The Open Clubface Mistake That’s Costing You Distance and Accuracy
If there’s one thing I see over and over again at my golf schools, it’s golfers trying to fix their downswing when the real problem started much earlier.
The clubface is already open.
Once that happens, your body spends the rest of the swing trying to recover. That’s when you start seeing slices, weak fades, inconsistent contact, and a swing that feels different every time.
The good news is this:
You don’t need to rebuild your entire golf swing.
You just need to build a better position from the very beginning.
In this week’s 15-Second Fix, I want to show you one simple feel that can help you keep the clubface in a stronger position and make the rest of your swing much easier.
Why an Open Clubface Creates Problems
When the clubface opens too early during the takeaway, several things begin happening almost immediately.
The club starts getting out of position.
Your hands begin making compensations.
Your downswing has to work harder just to square the clubface before impact.
Most golfers think they have an impact problem.
What they really have is a backswing problem.
Build a better position early, and the rest of the swing becomes much simpler.
Here’s What I Want You to Feel
One thing I tell my students all the time is this:
Don’t let your hands control the takeaway.
Instead, focus on three simple feels.
Keep Your Lead Wrist Stable
Avoid rolling your lead wrist open as the club starts back.
A stable wrist helps the clubface stay in a much stronger position.
Keep the Toe Down
One of my favorite feelings is imagining the toe of the club staying pointed toward the ground a little longer than feels natural.
For many golfers, that one thought changes everything.
Let Your Chest Move the Club
I don’t want your hands picking the club up.
I want your chest and body rotation to move the club away from the ball.
When your body starts the swing, everything stays much more connected.
Slow Down and Build the Right Movement
One of the biggest mistakes I see on the driving range is golfers practicing too fast.
Don’t worry about hitting perfect shots.
Instead, make five slow rehearsal swings.
Pay attention to one thing:
Does the toe of the club stay down during your takeaway?
Once that movement starts feeling natural, then begin adding speed.
As I tell my students:
“Quality reps beat rushed reps every time.”
What You’ll Notice
Once golfers improve their clubface position, they usually start seeing results pretty quickly.
You’ll likely notice:
Straighter ball flights
More centered contact
Better compression
More consistency
More confidence standing over the golf ball
The swing begins feeling athletic instead of complicated.
Watch this week’s 15-Second Fix
This week’s 15-Second Fix demonstrates exactly what this movement should look and feel like.
Watch the video, then head to the range and spend a few minutes rehearsing the movement before you start hitting golf balls.
Small changes early in the swing often produce the biggest improvements later.
I’d Love to Help You Play Better Golf
Videos are a great way to learn concepts.
But the biggest breakthroughs happen when someone can watch your swing and show you exactly what you need to work on.
That’s what we do every day at Christopher Howard Golf Schools.
Whether you’re trying to break 100, break 90, or finally reach single digits, our goal is simple:
Help you build a swing you can trust.
👉 Find a golf school near you and reserve your spot today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my clubface keep opening during the takeaway?
Most golfers open the clubface because their hands and forearms begin the swing instead of their body. When the hands roll early, the clubface opens and creates compensations throughout the rest of the swing.
How do I stop opening the clubface?
Focus on three simple feels:
Keep your lead wrist stable.
Feel like the toe of the club stays pointed toward the ground during the takeaway.
Let your chest move the club instead of your hands.
These movements help build a stronger clubface position from the start.
Will fixing my clubface help my slice?
In many cases, yes.
An open clubface is one of the biggest contributors to slices and weak fades. Building a stronger clubface position early in the swing often leads to straighter, more consistent ball flight.
Should I practice this at full speed?
No.
I always recommend starting with slow rehearsal swings.
Build the movement first. Once it feels comfortable, gradually add speed while maintaining the same positions.
Can this help golfers of all skill levels?
Absolutely.
Whether you’re new to the game or a low-handicap player, controlling the clubface is one of the fundamentals of a repeatable golf swing. It’s something I work on with golfers at every level.
