In this article we look at Jordan Spieth’s golf swing, to see what the Occasional Golfer might learn from his example.
The Power of KISS is on Display With Spieth’s Simple Swing
We all need to remember the KISS (Keep It Simple, Stupid) principle, especially when it comes to the golf swing. In that spirit, Spieth’s is a great simple swing to emulate.
He has had huge success in the Majors, is experiencing a recent resurgence, and his rhythmic, simple swing is at least somewhat within reach of Occasional Golfers everywhere.
The first thing I’d like you to notice is Jordan’s pronounced starter move (0:05). Jordan initiates his swing with a lateral press from the right knee towards the left knee.
This starter move motion generates flow in the swing, and most importantly, essentially eliminates swaying on the backswing. Many great players use a starter move of one sort or another, and we can add Jordan to the list.
If you are not already using a starter move to initiate your swing, you should give it a try. Simply adopting the starter move has solved many problems in my experience. It’s easy to do and yields immediate benefits.
Even before the starter move, there is another important aspect to Jordan’s simple swing — the waggle and forward press. See all the apparent fidgeting going on between (0:00) and (0:06) below?
Don’t dismiss this – it’s not really fidgeting at all but an essential part of the swing. Jordan is establishing a solid stance and connection to the ground, while simultaneously keeping his hands and wrists loose, in preparation for the swing.
The waggle (solid base, loose arms and wrists, motion rather than standing still like a statue) is one of the most important aspects of the golf swing, one of the simplest to do, and perhaps the most overlooked.
Which is sad — it’s so simple, yet so few golfers do this. Have a look:
Spieth’s Simple Swing Has a Left Elbow That Is Undeniably Bent at the Top
Jordan Spieth’s simple swing features a left arm that is bent at the top of the backswing.
Finally, let’s have a look at Jordan’s left elbow. As we’ve said many times on Golf Tip Reviews, the notion that you must keep your left arm straight is perhaps the worst tip in the history of golf.
Jordan’s left elbow is straight at address, and stays straight throughout the backswing, to promote a good shoulder turn. All good, and as it should be.
But Jordan’s elbow is not straight at the top of the backswing, as you can clearly see from the picture at the right.
At the top, he is setting the club and preparing to drive through the ball and release the club by uncoiling his body. At the top of the backswing, a little bend in the elbow is a good thing for most Occasional Golfers.
Of course, Jordan has kept his head still and over the ball, and he has produced a large shoulder turn without opening up his hips.
He is in a great position to deliver a powerful and controlled swing to the golf ball, and he finishes with his belt buckle facing the target. Have a look (skip ahead to about 0:45).
Hone Your Simple Swing By Channeling Your Inner Spieth
Jordan Spieth’s repeatable and simple swing is a good one for Occasional Golfers everywhere to emulate. See if you can channel a little Spieth the next time you are on the range. See how it goes!
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