Lead forearm rotation on forward swing

In attempting to keep the clubface square to the ball as long as possible, I think I've impeded the "releasing" of the club. Contact has always been an issue, and this method, such as it is, has helped me with contact.

However, it has also impeded distance, it seems. I would get only 120-130 yards, for instance, with a well-struck 8 iron. Too often, distance will be no more than 120 yards.

Yesterday, though, I took a couple of shag balls to an open area to hit some 8 iron shots. Instead of squaring the clubface at address, I opened it just a bit. Instead of trying to keep the clubface square through impact, I allowed by left forearm to rotate through impact. I didn't really think about it--it just seemed natural.

I went to pick up the balls, and I could not find them at the usual 120-130 paces. I walked about 155 paces and found them. I've never hit 8 irons that far. I hit several more balls with similar results.

Now, golf being what it is, I realize that I may go out today and think too much about rotating the lead forearm and may start snap hooking each ball or smothering it. However, it seems that opening the clubface at address allows me to rotate my forearms and achieve more distance.

Am I on to something, or is this a total fluke?

Thanks.

Bill

your releasing the clubhead - THIS IS GOOD

I think I've been "holding on" due to tension and trying to steer the clubhead through the ball. Less tension leads releasing, yes? So, this is not an intentional rotation, but a natural one, if I understand correctly.

Interesting as I have experimented with the same thing recently with surprising success. There is a small article on this in this months golf digest. Nicholas was asked about it and basically said the club needs to be slightly open at address in order to square up at impact.