Thinking about playing golf with one arm? The short answer is a resounding yes, you absolutely can. Not only is it possible, but many golfers thrive and find deep enjoyment in the game by mastering a one-armed swing. This article will guide you through the setup, mechanics, and strategies needed to build a confident, repeatable, and powerful one-armed golf swing from the ground up.
Whether due to physical limitation, injury, or simply the desire for a new challenge, one-armed golf is a testament to the adaptability of both the human body and the game itself. There’s a thriving community of one-armed golfers around the world, proving that a single arm can generate impressive power and accuracy. The key is to forget how you were "supposed" to swing and instead build a new motion centered on solid fundamentals, balance, and body rotation.
The first decision is which arm to use. Most golfers find success using their trail arm (the right arm for a right-handed player), as this is the arm that naturally generates power and speed in a traditional swing. Your lead arm (left for a righty) can also be used, which some players find helps with control and keeping the club on a good path. There's no wrong answer, experiment with what feels more natural and powerful for you.
Just like with a two-handed swing, everything starts with a solid foundation. If your grip and setup are good, you’re already halfway to a great shot. Because you only have one connection to the club, these two elements take on even greater importance.
Your single hand is now doing the job of two, so securing the club is your top priority. You need a grip that provides stability without introducing a lot of tension.
Your setup might just be the most important part of the one-armed swing. It creates the stable base from which your body can rotate and generate power. This position will feel different, and that’s okay. Trust the process.
With a one-armed swing, you can’t rely on brute arm strength. Your power comes from your body. The swing is a rotational action of the club moving around the body, powered mainly by the turn of your shoulders and hips.
The goal of the backswing is to create width and store power. It’s a smooth, connected movement. Trying to lift the club with just your arm is the most common mistake and will lead to an out-of-control, powerless swing.
Think of it as a one-piece takeaway. As you begin, your shoulders and hips should start turning away from the target. The club, arm, and torso all move together. As the club moves back, allow your wrist to hinge naturally. A good thought is to feel your wrist set when the club is about parallel to the ground.
Your main focus should be on rotation. Turn your torso as far back as you comfortably can while maintaining your balance. Imagine you are inside a cylinder, you want to turn within that cylinder, not sway from side to side. A full shoulder turn is your engine. At the top of your swing, you should feel coiled and ready to unwind.
If the backswing is about coiling up, the downswing is about letting it all go. And it all starts from the ground up. The feeling is not one of "hitting" the ball, but of your rotating body simply delivering the club to it.
What you do after hitting the ball is just as important as what you do before. A good finish is proof of a good swing. It shows you’ve transferred your energy and maintained balance. After impact, keep rotating. Let your hips and chest turn all the way through until they are facing the target. Your arm and the club will naturally swing up and around your body, finishing somewhere over your lead shoulder.
Hold that finish! You should feel balanced, with most of your weight on your lead foot. If you can hold your finish for a few seconds, you’ve likely made a well-sequenced and balanced swing.
Many players find the short game to be the easiest part of one-armed golf. The motions are smaller and rely even less on power and more on control and pendulum-like rhythm.
The one-armed chip is an incredibly stable and repeatable shot. Set up with the ball in the middle of a slightly narrower stance. Keep your arm and the club in a straight line, like a pendulum. The stroke itself is powered by a simple rocking of your shoulders. There’s very little wrist or body action. Just rock your shoulders back and through, maintaining the triangle formed by your arm and shoulders.
One-armed putting is so effective that you'll even see professional golfers with two good arms use this technique. Grip the putter the same stable way you do for a full shot. Keep your wrist firm but not tense. The power once again comes from rocking your shoulders back and forth. You are simply creating a pendulum and letting the ball get in the way. It’s a simple, reliable stroke that removes a lot of the small, twitchy muscles that can ruin a putt.
Playing excellent golf with one arm isn't just a possibility, it's a reality for many golfers who focus on sound fundamentals. By building a stable setup and trusting your body to be the engine of your swing, you can create a powerful, consistent motion that brings immense satisfaction to your game.
Navigating the unique feel of a one-armed swing means you’ll probably have a lot of specific questions along the way. When doubt creeps in or you’re stuck on a tricky shot, getting instant, simple advice is a huge confidence booster. When an odd lie leaves you guessing, our Caddie AI can analyze a photo and give you a smart play. It's like having a 24/7 coach in your pocket who understands your challenges and is always ready with a clear, judgment-free answer so you can focus on swinging with conviction.
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