Ed. note: In this column, GOLF’s playing editor and 2020 U.S. Open champ explains a swing move he’ll never change, how to ensure solid impact, his equipment rabbit holes and a UFO conversation with Phil Mickelson.
The one move I’ll never change
My swing has changed a lot over the years, and probably will keep changing. When I decided I needed more distance to take my game to the next level in 2020, I didn’t just change my body. I changed my swing too. I used to hit a fade (because I wanted to be like Ben Hogan). I won the U.S. Amateur and NCAA Championship with it, but now I hit a draw on almost every shot, something I worked on with my coach, Chris Como. We added movement and momentum — and a bunch of yards.
One thing I haven’t changed is my wrist position at setup. I use ulnar deviation: left wrist lined up with my forearm and fingers pointing down. Draw or fade, this arrangement sets the radius of my swing so my joints have the correct amount of space to move. It’s something that can help you too.
How to ensure solid impact
As you swing down from the top, centrifugal force pulls your left arm straight, so that by the time you reach impact, your arm and the shaft form a straight(ish) line. That’s why I set up with ulnar deviation (above, right). Why the majority of golfers set up with their arm and shaft at an angle (above, left) is beyond me. It’s just one more compensation to worry about!
My crazy equipment ‘rabbit holes’
I go down a lot of rabbit holes with my game, my swing and my equipment. Sometimes, those rabbit holes lead nowhere and that’s okay. Just because something doesn’t work doesn’t mean it’s a failure. Learning why certain things don’t work is just as helpful as knowing why they do. It’s all information I can use to help get me closer to my goal.
As for what I was thinking with these clubs in the photos above? It’s complicated, but it has to do with generating optimal launch and moving weight around to see how it affects spin and CG.
My UFO conversation with Lefty
I recently played a practice round with Phil Mickelson and started nerding out about UFOs, wormholes, time travel and space. My take: Something is out there that we don’t fully understand. It’s really fun to think about. I’m not sure Phil agreed!
