Stop Chasing a Perfect Swing—Learn to Control Impact with Todd Brenkman

Impact is golf’s moment of truth—but improving it does not require a perfect-looking swing. Mark Immelman is joined by longtime PGA professional Todd Brenkman for a practical conversation about solid contact, realistic expectations and learning to control where the golf club meets the ground.

Drawing on lessons from Johnny Miller and Bobby Clampett, Todd explains why golfers should learn to brush the grass on the forward side of the ball, how the presence of the ball can change the bottom of the swing and why many players would improve faster by practicing without a ball.

Mark and Todd also discuss ball position, uneven lies, wrist action, clubface control, functional misses and the dangers of immediately changing your swing after every poor shot. The episode includes simple drills that can help golfers of any ability develop better impact without becoming overwhelmed by technical swing thoughts.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

Johnny Miller’s simple key to solid iron contact - Why the club should brush the ground on the forward side of the ball How to practice impact without hitting golf balls. What it means to become “ball bound” - Why the presence of a golf ball can move your swing bottom backward. How solid-contact expectations should change based on your handicap - Why functional misses matter more than perfect shots. How to swing freely without steering the golf ball - Why grip and setup remain essential fundamentals. How chipping and punch shots can improve the full swing. Todd’s tic-tac-toe bunker drill for controlling the bottom of the swing. How ball position should change with the club and the lie. Why practicing on uneven lies helps transfer your range game to the course. How one productive practice swing can improve contact and pace of play. Why wrist and forearm awareness can help square the clubface. The danger of blaming every poor strike on your swing. Why the clubhead should arrive at the right time—not necessarily be delayed. How to release the club without becoming afraid of “flipping,” and What to focus on when facing a pressure iron shot. Key Takeaways:

Brush the Grass Forward of the Ball - Todd shares the foundational lesson he learned from Johnny Miller: draw a line representing the center of the golf ball and learn to brush the grass on the target side of that line. The goal is not to dig a massive divot. It is to develop awareness of where the club first contacts the ground and where the bottom of the swing occurs. Practice Wi