The ball has gone by the time you reach your follow-through, so it is easy to think it doesn't matter. But the finish is the result of everything that came before it. A balanced, complete finish shows that you swung through the ball with good sequence, speed and balance. A collapsed or off-balance finish reveals problems that affected the strike. Working on your finish is also one of the simplest ways to improve the whole swing, because the body organises itself to get there.
Directions are for right-handed golfers. Left-handers should reverse them.
What a good finish looks like
| Body part | Position at the finish |
|---|---|
| Weight | About 90% on the lead foot |
| Trail foot | Up on the toe, sole facing behind you |
| Hips | Fully turned, belt buckle facing the target or slightly left |
| Chest | Facing the target |
| Spine | Fairly upright, not arched backwards |
| Arms | Relaxed, folded, hands high above the lead shoulder |
| Head | Turned with the body, eyes following the ball |
| Balance | Steady; you can hold it for several seconds |
A tall, balanced finish (often called an "I" finish) is easier on the lower back than an exaggerated arched "reverse C" finish. Read golf and lower back pain.
The follow-through: extension
Between impact and the finish, good players extend both arms towards the target, with the club and arms forming a triangle that stays in front of the chest. This extension:
- Keeps the club on line through the ball.
- Means the club is still accelerating at impact.
- Helps the face rotate naturally. Read how to release the golf club.
What your finish says about your swing
| Finish | Likely cause | Likely shots |
|---|---|---|
| Falling backwards, weight on trail foot | Hanging back, trying to lift the ball | Fat, thin, high and weak |
| Off-balance towards the toes | Swinging too hard, weight moving towards the ball | Shanks, toe strikes |
| Lead arm bent and pulled in (chicken wing) | Blocked release, decelerating | Slices, thin shots, weak contact |
| Short, abrupt finish (unintended) | Deceleration, tension | Inconsistent distance |
| Spinning out, falling away from target | Over-rotation, out-to-in path | Pulls and slices |
| Balanced, full finish | Good sequence and tempo | Solid, consistent strikes |
Common faults and fixes
Chicken wing
The lead elbow bends and pulls up and away from the body after impact. It is often caused by an open face, fear of hooking, or the body stopping. Feel both arms extending towards the target, and let the forearms rotate.
Falling back
Caused by trying to help the ball up or leaving weight on the trail side. Read golf weight transfer.
Deceleration
Slowing down into the ball, often on short shots. Make a slightly shorter backswing and a longer through-swing. Read golf tempo and rhythm.
Overswinging
Swinging too hard makes balance impossible. Swing at 80% and hold your finish.
Drills
1. Finish and hold
After every practice shot, hold your finish for three seconds. If you can't, slow down until you can.
2. Rehearse the finish first
Before hitting, swing to your finish position and hold it. Then make your full swing, aiming to arrive at the same place.
3. Towel under the arms
Tuck a small towel under both armpits and make half swings without dropping it. It keeps the arms connected to the body and prevents the chicken wing.
4. Extension drill
Place a tee or headcover about a foot in front of the ball on the target line. Feel the club head brushing over it after impact as your arms extend.
5. Step-through drill
Let your trail foot step towards the target after impact. It encourages full rotation and weight transfer.
6. Slow-motion swings
Make very slow swings to a full finish, feeling each position. Then gradually speed up.
Finishes for different shots
- Driver: a high, full finish.
- Irons: full, balanced finish.
- Knockdown and punch shots: a deliberately short, low finish. Read golf trajectory control.
- Chips: a short finish with quiet wrists, the club pointing at the target. Read how to chip in golf.
- Putts: a follow-through roughly as long as the backswing, or slightly longer. Read how to putt: the fundamentals.
Frequently asked questions
Does the follow-through affect the ball?
The ball has left the club by then, but the follow-through reflects how you swung through impact. A good finish usually means a good strike.
What is a chicken wing in golf?
A bent, collapsing lead arm after impact, often linked to a blocked release and slices.
How long should I hold my finish?
Long enough to show you are balanced, about three seconds in practice.
Should my finish be the same for every club?
Full shots should finish similarly. Knockdowns, chips and putts have deliberately shorter finishes.
The bottom line
A good finish is the signature of a good swing. Extend through the ball, transfer your weight to your lead side, rotate fully and finish tall and balanced, holding it for three seconds. Use the finish to diagnose faults and practise it with simple drills, and the rest of your swing will often fall into place. For more on the basics, read golf swing fundamentals.