Welcome to Play Smart, a regular GOLF.com game-improvement column that will help you become a smarter, better golfer.
Sam Burns is right in the thick of it at Oakmont. A week removed from his playoff loss at the RBC Canadian Open, Burns is once again in the mix — and this time it’s at a major.
Burns is an accomplished player in his young career, winning five times on Tour and appearing on two Presidents Cup teams and a Ryder Cup team. But despite that success, his performance in majors has been lackluster, with his lone top 10 coming last June at Pinehurst.
This week at Oakmont, not only is Burns in contention, he’s a favorite to win the thing. After sleeping on the 36-hole lead, he’s remained right at the top of the leaderboard as he battles Oakmont for a third straight day.
If you’ve been watching the broadcast as Burns has played, you might’ve noticed his distinct pre-shot swing rehearsal before each and every swing. Below, you can find out why he does.
Burns’ pre-shot rehearsal
Once Burns settles into his posture over the ball, he does one final check before he begins his swing. He takes his club back until the shaft is parallel, pauses and then looks to see where the clubhead is.
As we all know, the takeaway is a critically important element of the swing. Burns does this pre-shot rehearsal to check his own takeaway and make sure he’s starting his swing on the right track.
“He wants to make sure he’s keeping the clubhead outside his hands,” NBC analyst Kevin Kisner said. “I think that routine is just super comfortable [to see] where he’s putting the golf club on every swing.”
This rehearsal is something that you’ll see many of the best ball strikers in the world do just before they begin their swing. For example, Xander Schauffele does this takeaway drill, as does Justin Thomas — and they’re two of the best iron players in the world.
If you’re someone who struggles to get the club into the correct position during your takeaway, give this rehearsal a try. It’s simple, easy to do on the course and is trusted by some of the best players in the world.
