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DrivingSpecial for SeniorsSpeed, Power, and Distance Driver Intermediate / Seniors ⏱ 10 min 🇫🇷 Video in French

Senior swing width: wide and similar to a driver

For Lewis Wallace of the Wallace Golf Academy, two words sum up power: “wide” and “close.” Together with his 65-year-old father, he demonstrates the most common mistake—which is the exact opposite of these two words—and then explains how to apply these two concepts to the three categories of senior golfers.

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Lewis Wallace
Lewis Wallace · his YouTube channelFree lesson selected by Fred P.

To be continued

11 minSame problemIncreasing Your Clubhead Speed: Adjustments and ExercisesQuentin Rachinel · Intermediate8 minSame problemSeniors: Lift Your Left Heel to Drive FurtherPhilip Sparks · Intermediate / Seniors14 minFrom the same proCombo Iron Set: Custom-Made Head, Shaft, and GripLewis Wallace · Intermediate / Expert

What the lesson shows

A common mistake: being near the backswing (the clubhead, hands, and arms move first, and the swing arc narrows) then wide on the way back, by “casting” the club like a fisherman. The wrists relax too early, and the swing loses speed before it reaches the ball. The ideal is the opposite: wide on the backswing, keeping a constant distance between your hands and your sternum, and with your left arm “comfortably extended”—not stiff; even senior pros bend it slightly. Then coming downhill: The hands move closer to the body, and the angle between the shaft and the left forearm is maintained, which creates lag and a whipping motion.

But past a certain age, depending on one’s mobility, living close by is no longer recommended. There are three categories: wide, then close-up, wide, then a medium width, or wide and wide, without swinging the club. The exercise: place a stick between the ball and your feet, just outside the width of your backswing, as a guide (use a chair behind you at home). You find the right width by staying centered around an axis. It’s up to each person to try all three versions to find the one that works best for them.

The Exercise, Step by Step

  1. Get into your stance and start your backswing, keeping the same distance between your hands and your sternum.
  2. Stop at the top and have someone place a stick between the ball and your feet, just outside your hands.
  3. Repeat the backswing, aiming for that width, without shifting sideways.
  4. Category 1: On the downstroke, bring your hands closer to your body to maintain the angle of your wrists.
  5. Category 2: When going downhill, look for a middle ground—neither too wide nor too close.
  6. Category 3: Keep a wide swing on both the in-swing and the backswing, without letting the clubhead drop.
  7. Try all three versions and keep the one that works best for you.

Key Takeaways

A common mistake: too narrow on the backswing, too wide on the downswing.
The ideal: wide on the way up, close together on the way down to maintain the angle.
Wide = a constant distance between the hands and the sternum, not a stiff left arm.
A slightly bent left arm is still acceptable for a senior.
Depending on its mobility, we aim for wide-close, a middle ground, or wide-wide.
You find your stride by staying centered around an axis.

Mistakes to Avoid

  • Start with the clubhead and your hands: the arc narrows.
  • Letting the club drop as you swing down and releasing your wrists too early.
  • Confusing width with a stiff, outstretched left arm.
  • Find the width by moving sideways.
  • Clinging to a movement that one’s mobility no longer allows.

Driving Range Mode

Keep it in plain sight, on the rug.

  1. Clubhead positioned outside the width of the backswing
  2. At home: a chair behind you as a reference point
  3. Test wide-close, medium, and wide-wide
  4. Measure the distance from the hands to the sternum on the outbound and return strokes

Your Questions

What does “wide” mean in the backswing?

Maintain a constant distance between your hands and your sternum during the upstroke. This doesn't mean extending your left arm: it remains comfortably extended, or even slightly bent.

Why is it important to stay “close” when going downhill?

Hands that move closer to the body maintain the angle between the club shaft and the left forearm. This delay creates more power at impact.

I can't seem to stay close on the downhill—what should I do?

Keep a wide stance on both sides without swinging the club. According to Lewis and his father, this range of motion still allows you to generate speed even as mobility decreases.

How do I know which category I'm in?

The video doesn't specify a particular age; it encourages you to try all three versions of the exercise and choose the one that works best for your range of motion.

Learn More

All “Driving” videos →Find the lesson that's right for youAll “Senior Special” videos →Find the lesson that's right for youAll “Speed, Power, and Distance” videos →Find the lesson that's right for you Seniors: Lift Your Left Heel to Drive FurtherFor senior golfers, keeping the left heel planted on the ground shortens the takeaway and causes you to tense up; letting it lift allows for a full shoulder turn and a relaxed swing. Increasing Your Clubhead Speed: Adjustments and ExercisesGain speed without straining: adjust your loft, tee, and ball position; swing with a relaxed hip motion; and feel the acceleration after contact. 4 Keys to a Powerful Drive: Maximum DistanceFor drives where you want to really step on the gas: tee the ball higher, take a wider stance with your weight on your back foot, rotate fully, and push off the ground. Lewis WallaceAll of his lessons

Video posted on YouTube by its creator (Lewis Wallace). Best Golf Tips selects and summarizes the best free lessons without hosting them.

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