One of my favourite golfers to watch is this year’s Ryder Cup’ Rock Star, Tommy Fleetwood. This is because of how consistent and smooth flowing his swing (and hair…) always is and how incredible of a putter he is. In this month’s golf tip, I will share with you a few things that you should try to emulate from Tommy Fleetwood, Off the Tee & On the Green.
Off the Tee – Tommy uses a driver that is 45 inches, shorter than standard, and shorter equates to straighter shots; so do not be afraid to grip down on your driver, irons & wedges. In addition, if you watch Tommy’s swing off the tee, his clubface is always square with his target about a foot before and after impact—as if it is tracing the ground. Most amateurs come into the ball way too steep and thus preventing them from squaring the clubface consistently; so focus on keeping the clubface square not just at impact but also before and after impact.
On The Green – Tommy is easily one of the best putters on the PGA Tour and that was definitely displayed at the Ryder Cup. The key is his effortless rhythm that he has with his putting stroke, and to quote him “You can roll the ball a long way with a stroke that has the force of a five-yard chip. Good rhythm and less effort are how you control the putter face and, in turn, the ball.” Thus, good putting starts with understanding the difference between a stroke and a hit. You want to make a stroke and let the energy of that back-and-through motion carry the ball to the hole. If the stroke is rushed, the impulse becomes to put extra effort in the strike—a hit—and that rarely produces a putt that rolls on a good line or with the correct speed. To avoid the hit impulse, pay attention to your backstroke; you want that part of the swing to feel long and unhurried. A great drill to try is to pause at the end of your backswing before moving the putter head toward the ball; this prompts you to accelerate smoothly and effortlessly!
So be like Tommy Fleetwood and see your golf game improve! Now if only my hair game could improve like his too…
Have fun, Matt Truong