Steve Stricker's swing

[azflying]

Johnny Miller made a big deal about the simplicity of Steve Stricker's swing...all true. What I can't figure out is how he hits the ball "tour distance" with minimal use of his wrists.

So he has a quick, strong body turn and doesn't need wrist hinge...great...I just can't see amateurs without those physical gifts adopting his swing as Miller prognosticates will happen in the future.

What does everyone else think?

[golf_junkie27]

His wrists do hinge at the top of the back swing and he creates a good amount of lag. Plus, he gets through the ball with a complete body turn. His swing, like Ernie's, is very smooth yet powerful.

Last week and this week he had a couple of drives that carried nearly 300 yards. Personally, when someone says "swing easy and hit it hard" I think of him, Els and Freddy Couples.

[thebignasty]

johnny miller is a good announcer, hes knowledgable and everything. But sometimes the stuff he says makes you scratch your head and wonder what he was thinking. He says some stupid things sometimes. Now im not saying what he said about strickers swing is stupid. Just overall

[uttexas]

He does hinge his wrists, but very late and not by much, at the very top.

[DavidFehertysBike]

Stricker does hinge his wrists. He just doesnt go parallel at the top. Its a great way to hit irons, or anything off the deck in general.

[azflying]

My original post said "minimal" wrist hinge, not "no" hinge. Not to start a debate about exactly how much hinge Stricker has, but he is no Bubba Watson. uttexas, I assume you posted a picture, sorry I can not see it and it may clearly illustrate either point. I agree Stricker hits the ball a long way, I just can't see amateurs getting acceptable distance results by changing their own swing.

[uttexas]

I believe he generates Tour power by having a very right hand dominated swing. His left wrist doesn't hinge much (seems to just go along for the ride during the swing). If you are able to see the videos above, he really unhinges and pronates his right forearm and wrist at impact. Needless to say, he has great extention of both arms at impact.

[flanagan]

I think it's an interesting point and the swing video tells it all. I had someone at lunch trying to tell me how Stricker had no wrist cock, etc. and I was hoping to stumble on some video. Thanks.

Clearly his wrists are cocked (he's no Sergio). To the eye going back, you don't see much in his takeaway when watching on TV, but look at the lag! He is no pendulum.

It's his impact position I wish I had, the rest is getting there somehow.

[Leftygolfer]

I disagree with someone that says that isn't enough lag to hit it plenty far. Look at that driver swing in the above post and the way he hits down on the ball in the iron shot. If he didn't hinge and unhinge his wrist there is no way he could be a great ball striker.

I think anyone on here would kill for that move. (of course he is on tour and highly successful)

[Duffy]

Being an old fart, I have been working on a swing like strickers because of the lack of flexability that comes along with being 61. I actually can re-create his swing to a degree however, it's very difficult not to arm swing (not let my arms swing freely) using this method. I'm continuing to work on it and from time to time I can actually perform this swing exceptionally well. I, of course don't have tour ditance but my actual ball stiking ability is improved while working on it.

[MI Rob]

My swing is alot like Strickers. I never noticed his swing before and alot of people comment on how I dont have my wrists hinge much. I still also dont see how he can hit it as far as he does haha. I do not have much distance compared to some of the people I play with.

[azflying]

...man...I wish I could see the posted video. I'll have to check my home computer tonight. thanks for posting.

[Dub]

It baffled me, too.

The video posted does help show where the power is generated.


On of the guys I play routinely with has a very simular swing as Strick's. He stays very balanced and doesn't seem to go after it so hard...but hits it out there very nicely. I seem to have to use a "kill-it" swing to beat him with my driver.

So many ways to do it....this is just more evidence that the smooth way is great.

I was happy for him on his win. He did very well, although he did get a lucky kick on the drive on that one drive....it looked dead in the rough and then squirted out nicely...same thing that Tiger was getting away with at times, too. Standing on the 18th tee knowing that birdie was needed for a win...nice drive....sweet hybrid....chip and putt and then a smile. Very nice round of golf.

[is2linda]

IMO he has a very boring swing. But the way he uses his body more then the smaller muscle gets him be super accurate and generated enough power. Hes definately an interesting player.

Im glad he won on monday. I didnt know this his putting is rank #1 in PGA this year.

[flanagan]

It was good to see him finish a tournament the way he did. He really should have won at least 2 other tournaments I can think of, and a couple of others almost, but for some bad shots in the last round and/or the closing holes.

He has had a great year, and although I don't get into the player of the year kind of stuff, he is deserving of consideration right there with you know who.

[TempoIsKey]

He gets great shoulder turn, creates a good amount of lag and makes very high quality ball contact. Distance is about "smash factor". Your ball speed should be 150% of your club head speed. And this is only accomplished by hitting cleanly in the sweet spot. My teacher when I was younger had me hit shag balls for a whole summer with my feet completely together to learn proper turn. You'd be suprised how far a 6 iron will go with your feet together when you're forced to use good tempo and make high quality contact.

[flanagan]

  TempoIsKey said:

He gets great shoulder turn, creates a good amount of lag and makes very high quality ball contact. Distance is about "smash factor". Your ball speed should be 150% of your club head speed. And this is only accomplished by hitting cleanly in the sweet spot. My teacher when I was younger had me hit shag balls for a whole summer with my feet completely together to learn proper turn. You'd be suprised how far a 6 iron will go with your feet together when you're forced to use good tempo and make high quality contact.

Classic and great drill, by the way. When I first started taking lessons after 20 years of playing without any, this is the one drill that seemed to help me "get it". Helps with swinging back and through and not coming over the top, at least for me. In fact, I was so frustrated this evening I decided it would be feet together for at least two bags tomorrow.

[TempoIsKey]

Yep, I still put the feet together at the range if I get a little out of whack.