In this article we have a look at the sweet, simple, and powerful golf swing, especially the golf lag, of Webb Simpson.
Webb generates a huge amount of golf lag on his downswing, which gives him plenty of graceful power. He has a rhythmic tempo, great balance, and soft hands, which make him a consistent ball striker. There are a lot of good elements in Webb’s swing that we can learn from.
Power and consistency, it’s what we all look for, right? So how does he do it, then?
Webb Generates Astounding Golf Lag
So how does Webb do it? Have a look:
To break down Webb’s swing a bit further, have a look at his key positions. Here is Webb from address to the top:
Simpson has an athletic setup position, and makes a good move away from the ball. You can see that his swing is powered by his lower body, which is coiling to initiate the swing.
His arms have the appearance of being very loose and supple. Notice how the angle between left arm and shaft is getting smaller and smaller through the backswing.
Notice the angle between left arm and shaft at the start of the downswing– it has gotten smaller still! You cannot get into this position without a very light grip on the club throughout your swing. Simpson must have a very light grip indeed!
Webb’s Head Remains Tranquil and Still
Simpson’s head has not moved toward the target at all since the top of the swing. If anything, his head is moving a bit backwards, away from the target, at this point.
Webb has initiated the downswing with his lower body, while keeping his hands quiet, flexible, and loose on the club.
In other words, he got to this remarkable position and developed his tremendous golf lag by driving his lower body on the downswing, NOT by swinging his arms.
This correct move from the top is perhaps the most difficult thing for most people to master. It is the opposite of an “over the top” or “casting” motion on the downswing.
Tension Will Sabotage Your Golf Lag
Webb has not only mastered it, he’s taken it to a whole new level. It comes down to eliminating tension in your left shoulder and your left wrist. (Not your left elbow — the left elbow stays mostly straight).
As Webb’s clubhead attacks the ball on the downswing the angle starts to get bigger. But note, even when his hands are almost over the ball, and his club is parallel to the ground, the angle is still almost 90 degrees. Most amateurs have lost their wrist cock much earlier in the swing than this!
Here is Simpson from impact to finish:
Webb’s hands are ahead of the ball at impact, and his head stays well behind the ball as he releases the club down the line.
Note that through impact, Webb’s head is actually moving backward and down, like other great ball strikers such as Tom Lehman and Hunter Mahan.
This motion helps promote a full release down the line, a common trait of all great golfers. And, like all good players, he has a balanced finish with his belt buckle facing the target.
Channel Some Effortless Simpson
Webb Simpson is a great ball striker, with a simple swing that has a lot of great elements for the Occasional Golfer to emulate. See if you can’t channel a little Webb the next time you are on the range or on your local course!
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