Full Definition
Wrist bow — or lead wrist palmar flexion — is the cupping opposite: bowing the lead wrist toward the target creates a stronger, more closed clubface position and increases shaft lean. Players like Dustin Johnson and Jon Rahm demonstrate extreme lead wrist bow at the top of the backswing. A moderately bowed lead wrist at impact creates maximum compression and a powerful, lower ball flight. Unlike the cupped wrist (which adds loft and opens the face), a bowed position delivers the ball with reduced dynamic loft and increased shaft lean. GOATY's WHIP score reflects the impact compression quality associated with proper lead wrist conditions.
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GOATY AI watches your swing live through your camera, speaks coaching cues in your ear while you swing, and measures the exact biomechanics — including wrist bow — that determine your ball-striking quality.
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A moderately bowed lead wrist at impact is associated with elite compression — GOATY's WHIP score measures the results of your wrist position. Book a free live lesson to see your own wrist bow data in real time during your practice session.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Wrist Bow in golf?
A supination of the lead wrist (palmar flexion) that closes the clubface and increases lag.
Why does wrist bow matter for scoring?
Wrist bow — or lead wrist palmar flexion — is the cupping opposite: bowing the lead wrist toward the target creates a stronger, more closed clubface position and increases shaft lean. Players like Dustin Johnson and Jon Rahm demonstrate extreme lead wrist bow at the top of the ba...
How can I improve my wrist bow?
A moderately bowed lead wrist at impact is associated with elite compression — GOATY's WHIP score measures the results of your wrist position. GOATY AI measures your wrist bow in real time during live practice sessions — giving you instant feedback without needing to film and review video after the fact.
What is a good wrist bow for an amateur golfer?
The benchmark is the GOAT Model — elite swing mechanics scored at 97.3. GOATY AI shows you exactly how your wrist bow compares to this elite standard and coaches you toward it session by session.