Ever try to mimic Sergio Garcia's Swing?

[nevets88]

I thought it might be a way to get more distance (at the expense of control). Take the club back, late wrist cock, a little under 90* at the top, on the way down, lay off the club a bit, try and get that lag and then the whip. I found it difficult to time, and not very successful. Will keep trying though.

[Franco!]

I thought it might be a way to get more distance (at the expense of control). Take the club back, late wrist cock, a little under 90* at the top, on the way down, lay off the club a bit, try and get that lag and then the whip. I found it difficult to time, and not very successful. Will keep trying though.

Get faster hands.

I'm almost 100% positive your hands aren't fast enough to control that lag.

[Mr.Wedge]

I thought it might be a way to get more distance (at the expense of control). Take the club back, late wrist cock, a little under 90* at the top, on the way down, lay off the club a bit, try and get that lag and then the whip. I found it difficult to time, and not very successful. Will keep trying though.

Here's a thought: If you try to delay release you are keying the wrist muscles in the opposite direction of the hit. If you resist wrist hinge (ultimately allowing them to hinge due to change of direction), you are keying the muscles in the direction of the hit. I've tried all the different hinging scenario's and allowing c-force with a bit of resistance to hinge produces the crispest and most powerful shots for me.

[MPS67]

I've lately been analyzing Sergio's swing and have noticed that he keeps his left shoulder pointing down, late into his swing. Quoting GolfTips Magazine (September 2008 issue pg.34-35) "the [left] steeper shoulder angle keeps the left arm close to the body and enables him to create his famous "lag." Second, the closed position of the shoulders prevents the club from coming over the top."

From the image spread of Sergio entering into the impact zone, it appears that he easily manages a very late hit, with full balance and control.

[MPS67]

[julie_m]

I've heard Sergio talk about his severe lag, which a lot of players have (though not often to that degree). Thinking about that helps, I try to lag at least beyond the 90 degree angle. It's more the principle, in my mind. In that sense, you can mimic his swing. Can Sergio's swing be copied to a T? I'd love to see it - but I really doubt it.

Anyone see how his wrists got nailed on that shot out of the rough on Monday? Is there any way to keep yourself from hurting your hands? I occasionally hit nerves in my palm, you get a huge shot of pain up your arm! I was going to ask if anyone has had this.

[Magnus]

Get faster hands.

Agreed. The lag creates speed when you release it, and thus power......but your timing must be impeccable. There is a reason he is an elite pro - and I am not.

[beung]

For any of you "casters" out there this would definately help with your casting.

The increased wrist cock during your downswing will for sure make it impossible for you to cast your club...although it might make it hard to release your hands in time too :P

Swing slower with more delay will give you more distance and control then swinging fast and casting.

[bigoak]

I cannot speak enough spanish to mimic his swing. I don't regrip a few hundred times and I don't spit into the cup when the hole is finished.

[Franco!]

I cannot speak enough spanish to mimic his swing. I don't regrip a few hundred times and I don't spit into the cup when the hole is finished.

Oh my god.

You people need to calm your shit down. Sorry he's fierce and sorry he's a perfectionist.

[MonkeyClaw]

A big key to Sergio's swing is his left wrist. Notice how his wrist stays flat, even in the follow-through. Most people tend to flip the club through and let their wrist fold as they are hitting or even before. This flipping creates a higher trajectory and decreases power.

Next time you are at the range, try a few quarter and half-shots with a strong right arm push/throw while keeping your left wrist straight. On the follow through, you'll have to turn the club-head over a bit more or your left wrist will bend. With practice, you'll be able to maintain the left wrist position as the club follows through.

As mentioned by others, the lag created by his relaxed wrists and hands, and his powerful, on-plane shoulder turn help him create more power. He also tends to have a bit of a forward press/shaft lean at impact. This de-lofts his clubs a bit and gets him more distance.

He has a great swing.

[iacas]

I cannot speak enough spanish to mimic his swing. I don't regrip a few hundred times and I don't spit into the cup when the hole is finished.

Not a necessary comment. Off-topic and rude. I don't like Sergio's spitting in the cup, the regripping is a thing of the past, and Spanish has nothing to do with how he swings, particularly since he speaks in English more frequently than Spanish.

[nevets88]

Thanks to all for the tips - I'll give all of them a try next time on the range.

Anyone remember when he was first televised way back? The lag was even more obvious.

Suspect putting and mental game aside, it's a cool swing to watch.

[jasongst]

This little Sergio topic prompted me to take another look at my swing on video (first time in a while) and I was surprised at how poor my lag was looking. (It's amazing how tempting it can be to swing too much with your hands.) Now I'm going through another tweaking phase trying to add a nice lag to my shots, and although it feels weird it hasn't messed me up too terribly yet. Right now I'm trying to guide my downswing arc using my left shoulder, while more or less pretending my hands don't exist. It actually works pretty good. I'm not certain if I'm hitting it farther yet (some strong winds lately add confusion) but I'm definitely hitting it just as straight.