How to Improve Your Transition Sequence in the Golf Swing

One of the biggest differences between elite players and amateurs comes down to one thing: transition sequence. It’s what separates smooth, powerful swings from inconsistent and inefficient ones.

What Is the Transition Sequence?

The transition sequence refers to the order in which your body parts move at the top of the backswing. Are you starting the downswing with your chest — or your hips?

Players who create speed with ease transition from the ground up. That means their lower body moves before their upper body, allowing energy to flow naturally through the swing sequence.

Why It Matters

Starting the downswing with your upper body can throw the club off-plane, disrupt timing, and kill your power. But when the hips lead and the torso trails, you set up the club to drop into the slot and accelerate on the right path.

Training the Right Sequence

Using a tool like a smart shirt or motion sensor, you can monitor how your body moves in transition. Even without tech, here’s how to train it:

• Go to the top of your swing (P2)
• Start your downswing by initiating with the lower body
• Get into the halfway down position (P3) with your chest still trailing your hips

That’s how elite players generate effortless speed — they don’t swing harder, they move in the right order.

The Bottom Line

Mastering your transition sequence will help you strike the ball cleaner, create more clubhead speed, and make your swing feel smoother. Train from the ground up and your ball flight will start to reflect it.