What often creates the illusion of lifting up isn't the head at all—it's the arms. As golfers approach impact, many allow the lead arm to bend and the elbows to separate into what is commonly called a chicken wing. Instead of extending through the shot, the arms collapse, making the body appear to rise early. To someone watching, it looks as though the player lifted their head, when in reality the loss of extension is usually the bigger issue.

A much better swing thought is "Hit, extend, then look."

Your objective is to strike the ball first, extend both arms fully towards the target, and then allow your head and chest to naturally follow the ball. Trying to force your head to remain down after impact often restricts your body rotation, creates tension and prevents you from making a free, athletic swing.

A simple practice drill is to hold your finish for three seconds after every shot. Check that your weight has moved onto your lead side, your chest is facing the target and your arms are fully extended rather than folded. If you can finish in balance with good extension, you've probably made a much better movement through the ball.

The next time someone tells you that you "lifted your head", don't automatically believe them. Instead, ask yourself whether your arms stayed extended through impact or whether they folded into a chicken wing.

Remember, the golf ball doesn't care where your head is looking after impact. It only cares what the clubface is doing at the moment of contact. Make a committed swing, extend through the ball, then let your head naturally follow the flight. In most cases, you'll strike the ball more solidly and finish in a stronger, more balanced position.