[Kim Maengnyoung's Golf English Conversation] Causes and Correction of "Chicken Wing"

You need to correct your chicken wing to improve your score and prevent injuries.

[Asia Economy] "Chicken Wing."

Seventy percent of beginner golfers struggle with the chicken wing. Let's explore what it means, its causes, and how to fix it. The chicken wing occurs when, instead of naturally rotating your wrists through impact, you try to hit the ball intentionally. This causes the left elbow to bend, resembling a chicken wing. It is also known as the "flying elbow."

The chicken wing is considered one of the ugliest maladies in golf, as it not only looks awkward but also causes the clubhead to stay open during contact, resulting in an out-to-in swing path. This leads to slices and loss of distance, because the swing arc is narrowed and the clubface remains open, causing shots to fly short and often to the right. Additionally, a steep approach angle into the ball with irons can trigger the elbow issue.

In actual play, it is important not to tense your arms excessively during setup. On the backswing, your right wrist should hinge backward. Shaping your right hand as if supporting a tray helps prevent the flying elbow. Practice with a swing trainer to feel the weight of the clubhead. During both the backswing and follow-through, repeatedly hold a towel or head cover under your armpit to keep it from falling.

A: What is the cause of the chicken wing?

B: When a golfer's left elbow buckles toward the target after impact, the result is a chicken wing.

A: Would you tell me how to correct the chicken wing?

B: A classic drill is to place a towel or similar object under your left armpit and hold it there throughout the backswing and follow-through.

Written and photographed by Kim Maengnyoung, Golf Columnist