Jack Nicklaus had his best year on the PGA Tour in 1972, winning two major championships, claiming seven total victories, leading the tour in earnings, and winning his second PGA Tour Player of the Year award. Known for his power off the tee, Nicklaus was using a persimmon driver and a balata golf ball at a time when he would outpace many of today’s tour pros. His power secrets from that season can be found in Golf Digest’s archives and can help golfers maximize their distance.
One of Nicklaus’ signature swing features was his “flying elbow” on the backswing, where his right elbow would pull away from his side as he swung to the top. While some criticized this technique, Nicklaus explained that it was actually a key factor in his massive tee shots. He attributed his wide backswing arc and increased power potential to his flying elbow and favored a fairly upright swing plane to widen his arc even further. By stretching the club straight back from the ball and then as high as possible, Nicklaus was able to achieve a fuller arc and generate more power and speed into the ball.
Using Nicklaus’ swing principles, golfers can work on achieving a wider backswing and full body turn to increase distance off the tee. However, there is a risk of swaying or lifting in the takeaway when swinging on a more upright path. To prevent this, Nicklaus recommended gripping the ground with your spikes and feeling like you’re stretching your clubhead away from the ball in a smooth, one-piece motion. This helps ensure that your clubhead, arms, shoulders, and hips move as one during the backswing.
By implementing Nicklaus’ powerful backswing positions, golfers can replicate the technique that helped the Golden Bear dominate his competitors on the course. For additional instruction from golf’s greatest players and instructors, golfers can explore the Golf Digest Archives for more tips and insights. Whether you’re a beginner looking to improve your distance off the tee or an experienced player seeking to fine-tune your swing, Nicklaus’ principles can help you elevate your game and achieve greater success on the golf course.
