SETUP AND TAKEAWAY
One of the first things to note about Phil’s offseason work is that his address posture has really improved. His back is straighter and his chin isn’t tucked as much ( photo No. 1, left). This creates more space to swing the club. You can’t make a good swing if you don’t have good posture. When he starts the club back, another thing I really like is that his swing arc is wider ( No. 2). The club is moving back straighter, less to the inside. He’s got a long backswing, but it’s a hair shorter than it used to be. The thing he’s really been working on with his backswing is his footwork. His back leg is much more anchored than it has been in the past ( No. 3), so he can swing from a more stable platform. You might also notice his head stays fairly still. It’s not drifting away from the target. That’s key to getting the club back to the ball for a solid strike. If you anchor your back leg and make a swing without swaying, you’re going to hit it in the sweet spot a lot more often.