There’s not much for Kevin Streelman to complain about after his first round at the Wells Fargo Championship. As of this post time, Streelman is tied for second at five under, proving that he’s quite comfortable at navigating Quail Hollow.
While Streelman put together a complete round on Thursday — which included a fantastic hole-out from a bunker on the 16th hole (see below) — he wasn’t ready to pat himself on the back just yet.
What a touch from the bunker!
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) May 4, 2023
Kevin @Streels54 grabs the solo lead with this bunker hole-out @WellsFargoGolf. pic.twitter.com/JFzSF1lVpu
Instead, the 15-year PGA Tour vet spoke about how he’s been able to improve his game so far this year, first discussing how his short game has become a strength of his after working with a longtime friend (and Euro Tour player), Brett Rumford.
“He [Rumford] was always an absolute freak with the wedges, like probably the best I’ve ever seen, more of a savant. Tiger stuff, Phil stuff, but Rummy’s right there.
“He actually came over from Australia for five days with me this last December, and just [gave] some simple ideas and philosophies. But I kind of really took those to heart,” said Streelman. “For someone at 44 to really turn around a short game isn’t easy to do, but I really have this year. It’s been very beneficial and helpful.”
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While Streelman praised his friend for helping revive his short game this year, he went much more technical when specifically asked about the swing adjustments that he’s made.
As Streelman responded, he went into great detail about always being a “leg driver,” which he admitted can “cause some some back out kind of chunky shots.”
This is why he’s really worked on preventing his pelvis and legs from driving out — and he explained what he’s been able to do to help correct the problem.
“The simple way is keep block A on top of block B as you’re transitioning through, and trying to stay more linear as you’re rotating to the left. I’ve just been driving too hard, shooting back, and getting some neck pain; and it’s been frustrating.
“Looking at some old video, talking to some, Dr. Suttie, who I grew up with, and his protege, Jake Thurm,” adds Streelman. “I probably have a tendency to look too much at YouTube videos or Instagram, all these perfect swing posts and stuff. But I love it, too. I love the search, as I think a lot of us golfers do.”
Streelman’s been looking for more clarity with his swing. In his experience — and a lesson he tells younger players — is to stick to the fundamentals.
“I think it’s important to know your fundamentals, your tendencies, [and] write them down. As I tell kids as I’m talking to them, like, know what makes you you, and what makes you great. When you’re not so great, what do you need to go back to?
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“That’s kind of the process I’ve been into, is just going back to some things that have worked really well for me in the past. Starting to hit the irons a little better, which makes golf a lot more easy.”
It’s interesting to hear Streelman talk so bluntly about his new approach this year. With three top-30 finishes thus far — and a great start at the Wells Fargo Championship — he appears to be headed in the right direction. And it’s a good reminder for amateurs to see just how fluid golf can be — even for the pros. It takes constant work, practice and adjustments to get the feel that works best for you.