The chicken wing golf is when the lead elbow points upwards in the followthrough, usually caused by swing path issues (out-to-in), poor body rotation, faulty wrist action, and tense arms.

These errors can be either due to swing technique issues or physical limitations.

Drills to Avoid Chicken Wing

Below are video explanations and drills by 3x PGA teacher of the year Adam Bazalgette, Coach Kevin Hwang Jr. & Coach Eric DeKarski.

1. Inside-Out Swing Path Drill:
Trains an inside-out swing path for better ball flight and improved extension through impact to promote a proper inside-out swing path with full extension and balanced rotation.

2. Lead Arm Extension Drill:
Builds proper extension through impact and helps eliminate the “chicken wing” motion to train a straight lead arm through impact to promote a solid strike and eliminate post-impact collapse.

3. Towel Connection Drill:
Promotes arm-body connection to prevent flying elbows and eliminate the chicken wing to build a connected, compact swing for better control, consistency, and clean ball striking.

Physical Limitations: Chicken Wing in Golf

  • Limited shoulder mobility and rotation
    Tight lead shoulder can prevent the arm from extending fully in the follow-through.
    – Exercises – Shoulder rotations, cross body stretches, wall slides.
  • Lack of chest and back flexibility
    Tight chest and back muscles can restrict shoulder and torso movement, making it difficult to achieve a full and extended follow-through.
    – Exercises – Wall stretch, chest opener, cat-cow stretch.

How to Adapt Your Swing to Physical Limitations

  • Shorten backswing to manage followthrough balance.
  • Use slightly wider stance to increase stability through impact.
  • Focus on chest rotation past the ball rather than lead arm control.

Alternate names for Chicken Wing in Golf Follow-through

  • Buckled Elbow
  • Flared Front Elbow in Follow-Through

Related Swing Errors

Precurson and successor errors for chicken wing in golf follow-through

Precursor Errors (Triggering Issues)

Successor Errors (Resulting Issues)

  • Improper Release
  • Sliced Shots