Wyndham Clark utilized a standard metal coat hanger during practice sessions at the 2024 Open Championship to refine his lead wrist position. The drill, designed to promote flexion in his left wrist, aims to square the clubface at impact and correct the inconsistent ball-striking patterns that hampered his performance during the final round of the Genesis Scottish Open.
The Mechanics Behind the Coat Hanger Drill
According to Clark, the device serves as a tactile feedback tool to encourage a more bowed or flexed lead wrist throughout the swing.
"The coat hanger is for wrist angle, trying to get a little more flexion in my left wrist so I can square the face more," Clark explained during a pre-tournament press conference.
This adjustment is a central component of his ongoing work with swing coach Pat Coyner, a GOLF Top 100 Teacher. Coyner identified that Clark’s lead wrist had become excessively extended during the early stages of their partnership. An extended lead wrist typically causes the clubface to remain open at impact, forcing players to make compensations—such as flipping their hands or rerouting the swing—to avoid a slice or a significant miss to the right.
Addressing Inconsistent Ball Striking
The implementation of the drill followed a T13 finish at the Genesis Scottish Open, where Clark noted dissatisfaction with his ball striking. By focusing on the wrist angle, Clark and Coyner are attempting to eliminate the "two-way miss" that often plagues professional golfers when their clubface control is compromised.
The goal of the drill is to simplify the swing by removing the need for mid-swing compensations. By establishing a more neutral or flexed wrist position, the clubface naturally stays more square through the hitting zone, allowing for more consistent start lines and improved accuracy off the tee and with irons.
Major Championship Preparation
The timing of the change is significant, as Clark brought the training aid directly to the range at a major championship. While unorthodox, the use of household items as training aids is a common practice among elite golfers looking to reinforce a specific "feel" before competition.
Clark entered the 152nd Open Championship looking to build on a season that has seen him become a consistent contender on the PGA Tour. The effectiveness of the adjustment was put to the test on Thursday, July 18, when Clark began his opening round at 3:04 p.m. local time, playing alongside Cameron Young and Ludvig Åberg.
Key Takeaways
- Technical Focus: The primary objective of the coat hanger drill is to increase lead wrist flexion to square the clubface.
- Coaching Insight: The drill addresses a habit of lead wrist extension identified by coach Pat Coyner.
- Performance Context: Clark turned to the drill after experiencing ball-striking inconsistencies during his final round at the Genesis Scottish Open.
- Practical Application: The tool is intended to eliminate the need for compensations that lead to a two-way miss.
Worth a look