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Country: gb Page generated at: Wednesday, 24 June 2026 at 17:48:52 British Summer Time
golf-tips
Long game
What is gear effect and how can it help your game?

published: Feb 10, 2020

|

updated: Jul 11, 2023

What is gear effect and how can it help your game?

Dan Whittaker

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How does strike location impact your ball flight? Find out this and more with these tips from elite swing and performance coach Dan Whittaker

how you can use gear effect

It’s a golf term many might not understand, but taking the time to figure it out can help you better control strike location and therefore, ball flight. Watch my video below to find out how you can use gear effect.

How you can use gear effect: The main points

In essence, gear effect relates to where you strike the ball relative to the middle of the club. For example, if you hit the ball out the toe, it will roll towards the centre on impact giving it more right-to-left spin.

And in the heel, the opposite applies.

  • Related: Master Tiger’s 9-shot drill
  • Related: What we can learn from McDowell and Simpson winning on tour

In Andy’s case, his natural shot is a draw so if he can learn how to utilise the heel of the club, it’ll give him greater confidence when faced with a tight shot – especially with the driver.

The more you practise and develop this ability, the more control you’ll have over your golf ball, and that’s what it’s all about at the end of the day.

Want to find out what strike location will straighten up your flight and how you can work on it? You’ll have to watch the video…

This instruction video was filmed at Lumine Golf Club, host venue of the 2019 European Tour Qualifying School. For more information, visit their website.

Dan Whittaker is an elite golf swing and performance coach based at High Legh. For more information, visit his website or click here for more advice. 

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