An upright golf swing is one in which the club moves up and down on a steeper angle, much like a Ferris wheel, rather than swinging around the body like a merry-go-round. This powerful and direct motion can unlock significant distance and a higher ball flight, but it requires a specific technique to master. This guide will walk you through exactly what an upright swing is, its pros and cons, who it benefits most, and the step-by-step process for developing one in your own game.
Imagine your golf swing creating a large circle. The orientation of that circle is what we call your swing plane. A "flat" swing, think of major champion Matt Kuchar, has a more horizontal or tilted circular path, where the club goes around the body. An "upright" swing, like that of PGA Tour star Justin Thomas or the legendary Jack Nicklaus, traces a more vertical path where the club feels like it goes more up in front of the body on the way back and then comes down sharply toward the ball.
To put it simply:
Neither swing plane is definitively "right" or "wrong" - they are simply different ways to get the club onto the ball. The key is understanding which style might suit your body type and tendencies, and then building a consistent, repeatable motion based on that plane.
The "upright" characteristic is primarily defined during the backswing. At the top of an upright backswing, the hands are positioned much higher, often feeling like they are directly above your right shoulder (for a right-handed player). In a flatter swing, the hands would be lower and feel more behind the shoulder.
This higher hand position creates a steeper angle of attack into the ball. This means the clubhead is descending into impact on a sharper downward path, which has its own unique set of advantages and challenges.
Like any technique in golf, the upright swing isn't a one-size-fits-all solution. It offers some fantastic benefits but also comes with potential downsides. Understanding both sides will help you decide if it's a good fit for you.
An upright swing can be a game-changer for the right type of player. You might find it to be a more natural motion if:
If you fit the profile and are excited about the benefits, you can start incorporating the upright motion into your swing. It’s all about a few adjustments in the setup and a new feeling in the backswing and transition.
The foundation of a good golf swing starts at address. To promote a more upright path, stand a little closer to the golf ball than you normally would. This minor adjustment naturally forces your arms to hang more vertically and encourages them to swing upward rather than wrapping them around your body.
Maintain a tall, athletic posture. Feel like your chest is up and your shoulders are back. Hunching over will only encourage a flatter swing.
The first few feet of the backswing set the tone. Instead of thinking about pulling the club around your body, feel like your shoulders and arms are lifting the club up in front of you. A great thought is to feel the clubhead staying outside your hands as it moves away from the ball. This prevents the club from being pulled too far to the inside too early, which is the classic start to a flat swing.
As you continue to the top of the swing, let your hands reach for the sky. Your goal is to feel your hands get as high as comfortably possible. For a right-handed player, they should feel like they are directly above your right shoulder, or even slightly in front of it. Look in a mirror - if your hands are behind your shoulder, you’ve slipped into a flatter plane.
Here’s the move that makes an upright swing work. An upright backswing needs a shallow downswing to be effective. Otherwise, you’ll just chop straight down on the ball. From the top, your very first move should be to let your arms and the club simply drop straight down. It feels passive. As your arms are dropping, your hips begin to unwind toward the target. This "drop and turn" sequence perfectly slots the club into a powerful hitting position, coming from the inside despite the upright backswing.
New feels need repetition. Use these drills to make the upright motion second nature. For more general guidance on practice, check out how to practice your golf swing.
Place an empty headcover (or a rolled-up towel) about a foot outside and a foot behind your golf ball. If your backswing is too flat, you'll immediately hit the headcover as you pull the club inside. The goal is to lift the club up on a more vertical plane, easily clearing the obstacle on your way to the top.
Stand without a club, your backside about a foot away from a wall. Get into your golf posture and make a backswing practice motion. If your swing is too flat, your hands or the imaginary club will hit the wall behind you. Practice rotating your shoulders and lifting your arms so they stay in front of you and away from the wall.
This is the best drill for mastering the transition. Take your normal swing to the top. From there, initiate the downswing by dropping your arms and shallowing the club to about waist-high, then return to the top. Do this "pump" two times. On the third one, swing through to a full finish. This drill ingrains the feeling of dropping the club into the slot before turning through impact.
An upright golf swing is a powerful alternative built on a vertical backswing motion and a properly sequenced downswing. It's an excellent choice for golfers looking to add height and power, especially taller players or those battling a hook, but it demands commitment to the "drop and turn" transition.
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