Why the Chicken Wing Is Golf’s Most Common and Costly Mistake

Ask any coach, scratch player, or seasoned instructor what swing flaw shows up most often — and the answer is nearly always the same: the chicken wing.

It’s not just a funny name. The chicken wing leads to slices, weak contact, inconsistent ball flight, and loss of power — and it’s something golfers of all levels struggle with. Whether you're a beginner learning the basics or a seasoned weekend warrior chasing more consistency, chances are this swing fault has crept into your game.

In this blog, we’ll break down why the chicken wing is so common, what makes it hard to fix, and how you can eliminate it for good — starting today.

What Is the Chicken Wing in Golf?

The chicken wing happens when the lead arm bends and the elbows separate during the downswing or follow-through. For right-handed golfers, that’s your left arm. This position creates a visual of a flapping wing — hence the nickname.

But it’s more than cosmetic.

When your lead arm breaks down and your arms disconnect from your torso, the clubface becomes unstable, your swing path gets off track, and your ability to generate power drops dramatically.

What Is the Chicken Wing in Golf?

Why the Chicken Wing Is So Hard to Fix

It’s not just about keeping your arm straight — if it were that simple, no one would have this issue. The chicken wing is often a symptom of deeper problems, including:

• Poor Setup or Posture: Crowding the ball or standing too close can force your arms to pull inward.

• Steep Downswing (Over-the-Top Move): Coming down too vertically causes compensation — like bending the lead arm — to square the face.

• Lack of Arm-Torso Connection: When the arms move independently of the body, control goes out the window.

• Fear of the Ground: Hesitating to take a divot causes golfers to pull their arms up and in — classic chicken wing mechanics.

How to Stop Chicken Wing in Your Golf Swing

Why It’s Critical to Fix the Chicken Wing

Ignoring this flaw doesn't just cost you strokes — it may cost you your swing entirely. Here’s what’s at stake:

• Loss of Distance: You’re bleeding power due to poor energy transfer.

• Inconsistent Contact: Mishits become the norm instead of the exception.

• Shot Shape Issues: Slices, pulls, and unpredictable flight patterns are the result.

• Injury Risk: Repetitive stress on bent joints and poor sequencing can strain your body.

Correcting the chicken wing isn’t just about playing better golf — it’s about building a swing that’s powerful, sustainable, and built for longevity.

How to Fix the #1 Mistake in Golf

So, what actually works?

While plenty of drills can help, the single most important fix is restoring connection between the arms and torso. That’s where the Golf Swing Shirt comes in.

How the Golf Swing Shirt Helps:

• Reinforces Proper Arm Position: Its single-sleeve design keeps the elbows from separating.

• Builds Muscle Memory: Repetition trains your body to move as one unit.

• Encourages Proper Rotation: You can’t cheat the shirt — it naturally promotes better body turn.

• Shallows the Downswing: It helps guide the club into the slot and eliminates over-the-top moves.

By wearing it during practice, your body starts to understand what a connected, powerful swing actually feels like.

See how it compares to other training aids in a Comparative Analysis.

Simple Drills to Support Your Progress

Even if you don’t have a training aid yet, here are three habits you can start implementing today:

Improve Your Setup: Make sure your arms hang naturally, and you’re not crowding the ball.

Practice Full Rotation: Drills like the "Step and Turn" help promote a full body turn through the swing.

Get Comfortable Taking a Divot: Use a towel or divot board to train through-ground impact and eliminate early chicken winging.

Don’t Let the Chicken Wing Hold You Back

Golf is hard enough without swing flaws holding you back. If your shots are weak, inconsistent, or slicing off target — there’s a good chance the chicken wing is to blame.

The good news? It’s totally fixable.

With better awareness, a smarter training approach, and a tool like the Golf Swing Shirt to guide you, you can eliminate this mistake and build a swing that’s connected, powerful, and repeatable.