Early extension is a “popular” golf affliction seen in the full-swing downswing-into-impact.  It occurs when the hips thrust towards the ball as seen in the left-side images below.  The impact/ball flight effects could include toe impact, toe-deep divots, loss of distance and more.

WHY DOES IT HAPPEN?

Growing up, sometimes my parents would say, “Act your age!” Do all relevant body parts “act” the same age in the downswing-through impact?  Whenever clubhead swing speed is at a RELATIVELY “younger”/faster rate than the hip pivot can support something “has to give.”  

In my 40+ years as a professional instructor, I would estimate that over 80% of golfers hip pivot act in a SLOWER (OLDER “AGE”) RELATIVE TO ARM/CLUBHEAD SWING SPEEDS (YOUNGER “AGE”) perhaps due to a career as a “desk jockey”, inactivity, added weight, injuries, etc.  When the hips don’t pivot properly, the energy is often diverted into early extension.       

The second primary reason for early extension is “weak glutes.”  In general, if your glutes have become weaker (perhaps for some of the same reasons listed above), they can’t support the basic structure of posture especially in a high-mph activity like a full golf swing.   

WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT?

If you have video “evidence” of early extension, the first plan is to make an appointment with your PGA Professional to RE-MATCH your swing speed with your hip pivot speed, learning accelerated and proper understanding, imagery and drills (like the “keep the backside against the wall” to train your hips to work efficiently in the downswing-into-impact.  The second plan should be an appointment with a “glute strengthening” exercise professional.