How to Create More Torque in Your Golf Swing (And Hit the Ball Further)
- Gizelle Southwell
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
Many golfers believe they need to swing harder to hit the ball further. In reality, distance comes from creating torque in the golf swing — the twisting force generated between the upper and lower body.
The more efficiently you create torque, the faster the clubhead moves through impact and the further the ball travels.
Below are three key ways golfers can increase torque and generate more power in their swing.
TPI golf performance testing helps identify movement limitations affecting swing torque.
1. Create Separation Between Your Upper and Lower Body
What this looks like
Your shoulders turn more than your hips in the backswing
Your lower body stays relatively stable while your upper body continues to rotate
Why it works
This creates a coil through your core. When your shoulders rotate further than your hips, you increase the twisting force through your body, producing more torque without needing to swing harder.
Common issues
Limited upper-back or hip mobility
Turning the shoulders and hips together instead of creating separation
2. Maintain Width in the Backswing
What this looks like
Lead arm stays relatively straight
Hands stay away from the chest
The swing feels wide rather than collapsed
Why it works
A wider swing increases the radius of the swing arc. This places the club further from your centre of rotation, creating a larger moment arm and naturally increasing speed.
Common issues
Shoulder tightness
Trying to force width without the mobility to support it
Maintaining width in the backswing increases the swing arc and helps generate torque.
3. Load Into the Trail Hip and Legs
What this looks like
Pressure shifts into the trail foot
Trail hip turns and loads
Lead knee softens slightly
Why it works
Loading into the lower body creates torque against the ground. This allows the hips to lead the downswing, sending energy up through the body and into the club.
Common issues
Sliding instead of rotating
Limited hip mobility or lower-body stability
Efficient sequencing and torque help increase clubhead speed and distance.
How This Adds Distance
When these three elements work together:
Torque increases earlier in the swing
Energy transfers more efficiently
Clubhead speed increases without extra effort
Result
More clubhead speed
Higher ball speed
More distance with better control
Improve Your Golf Swing with a Performance Test
Want to see how your body affects your golf swing?
Our Golf Performance Test identifies mobility restrictions that limit torque and power.
Book your Golf Performance Test here:
At Max Golf Performance at The Chase Golf & Country Club in Staffordshire, we use TPI screening and movement analysis to help golfers improve torque, clubhead speed and overall swing efficiency.
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