Scotty Scheffler’s Golf Swing A Thing of Power and Precision

So much is being made of Scotty Scheffler’s footwork. The untrained eye is likely to see highly “unusual” footwork as he comes into impact, but upon closer inspection, I think we need to explore more closely and see what the average golfer can learn from this.

If we observe the dynamics of it, besides being extremely functional (he is the best player in the world) the move is quite instructive. I teach players all day every day who cannot transfer their weight adequately. Stuck on the back foot, hang back, reverse pivot…all the same things. Think of a hitter in baseball bailing out on a curve ball or a quarterback in football throwing off the back foot (not stepping into the pass). We must get the weight of the body into the hit, pass, punch etc. Golfers, by and large, do NOT do that. (I’ll cover WHY they don’t in another piece). But for now, let’s see what we can learn from Scotty’s move on how to get there.

This is not even close to the first time we have seen this motion. Greg Norman, one of the best drivers of the golf ball in the modern era, did almost exactly the same move. So did Billy Casper, winner of 51 tour events, Mark Calcavecchia, Open winner did it, two-time Masters champion Bubba Watson and many others have done it too. The “it” being what we can call “the toe slide” into impact. His right toe slides and drags along the ground to help propel him into impact. Also, he has developed a committed roll out of his left ankle (looks painful to be honest). This also gets him off the right side. Those of you looking for ways to transfer more energy and body weight into impact should try as much of this motion as your body will allow.

But there is one move that Scotty does which, as far as I know, is uniquely his: the right foot makes a distinct move backward (further from the golf ball) for a split second before he slides it toward impact. As I see his swing, I think this part might be the most ingenious of all. 

The other very common poor habit golfers have is what is known as forward or early extension. This is where the pelvic girdle “humps” toward the golf ball and disaster ensues. The second a golfer does this, the torso completely loses the forward tilt, and the swing bottom (low point) is lost! Stand up right now and try it! With Scotty’s move, there is zero danger of this happening. His hips go the other way…in other words, he increases his spine angle by extending the rear with that right foot back move. It is truly genius, in my opinion! It is also essential for any player who stands close to the golf ball at address as Scotty does. Imagine standing close at address and extending the hips into the golf ball. Can you say SHANK?

The other thing we must always keep in mind is that all great players do precisely what they need to do - nothing more, nothing less! Scheffler has had this swing since he first held a golf club and to his teacher’s credit, they were wise enough to leave it alone!! Jim Furyk comes to mind in this vein as well. His dad was his teacher and saw how Jim managed to control his ball with his swing-and he did nothing to change it…90 to 100 million dollars later I’m sure Jim is grateful. 

If you think about it, what is golf? Very simply, GOLF IS WHAT THE BALL DOES! Only this and nothing else. It never has been, and it never will be any different. So, when you see a great player with an eccentric or distinctively different move, do not judge until you investigate the motion and learn how effective it is. And what you can learn from it! The beauty of golf is continuous, sustained and perpetual learning, And I’m here to tell you this: when I stop learning, I will stop teaching.

Dennis Clark is a PGA Master Professional and seven-time PGA award winner, including Teacher of the Year and Golf Professional of the Year. Dennis is available for private instruction at Eagle Lakes Golf Club. He can be reached at 239-777-6043 or dennisclarkgolf@gmail.com.