Proper Weight Transfer in the Golf Swing (Key to Consistency & Power)

I think people overlook or don’t understand what proper weight transfer is in the golf swing. Most people are probably aware that your weight should finish on your lead side, but at what time does it shift in the swing?

To a lot of people’s surprise, the weight shift should start a lot earlier in the swing then probably most people think. The transfer should NOT happen at the start of the downswing, but I like to think of it starting between arms parallel on the backswing and when your hands reach your bicep (at the LATEST). What this promotes is a low point that occurs on the target side of the ball and ball first contact, essentially what all of us are chasing.

The key word to understand here is dissociation. In the golf swing, you want to dissociate your upper and lower body to create coiled effect. This also helps with creating efficient power while helping out with your contact. You want to feel like pressure and weight is moving into your lead leg before your start your downswing while your upper body and shoulders remain closed to the target.

Try the split stance drill or the swinging with your feet close together to promote proper rotation while also finishing your swing with your weight on your lead side.

✅ Key Takeaway

Proper weight shift in the golf swing isn’t about finishing left—it’s about when the transfer happens. Mastering this move is the key to power, consistency, and crisp ball-first contact.