Ernie Els, known for his smooth swing, shares his secrets for elite ball striking in this timeless advice from GOLF Magazine. With 19 PGA Tour wins and four majors, Els has a hall-of-fame career. In 2011, when he was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame, Els revealed his top five ball-striking secrets. These tips are based on fundamentals that have guided him to success throughout his career.
Els emphasizes the importance of an athletic stance in setting up for success, particularly with the driver. Every professional golfer practices their setup religiously, and Els shares key elements such as grip, posture, stance, and ball position. By copying Els’ setup keys, golfers can tap into their natural athleticism and create a strong foundation for their swing. This sets the stage for consistent and powerful ball striking.
One of Els’ key tips is to swing and turn back at the same time, focusing on powering the club back with the shoulders rather than the arms. By prioritizing shoulder turn over arm movement, golfers can generate more power while maintaining the club on plane. A complete backswing, indicated by the left shoulder getting behind the ball, is essential for a smooth transition into the downswing. This full backswing sets the stage for powerful and controlled ball striking.
To ensure a smooth transition, Els recommends dropping the arms immediately from the top of the swing, focusing on a straight downward movement. This singular move helps maintain tempo and sequencing in the swing. Additionally, syncing the upper and lower halves of the body is crucial for impact consistency. By keeping the upper and lower body in sync, golfers can maximize power and accuracy, ensuring a solid strike every time.
Zephyr Melton, an editor for GOLF.com, highlights Els’ timeless tips for elite ball striking, emphasizing the importance of fundamentals and consistency in the golf swing. These insights from a golf legend like Ernie Els can help golfers of all levels improve their ball striking ability and overall performance on the course. By incorporating these essential tips into their practice routines, golfers can enhance their swing mechanics and elevate their game to the next level.
