Jake Knapp is a PGA Tour rookie with a swing that hearkens back to a bygone era while incorporating the speed-boosting elements of modern-day swings. This unique combination has helped the California native secure his first PGA Tour win at the Mexico Open at Vidanta, and has ranked him in the top 20 on tour in clubhead speed, ball speed, and driving distance. Despite not always being fond of his own swing, Knapp learned to appreciate it with the guidance of his longtime coach John Ortega.
Ortega, the director of instruction at Costa Mesa Country Club, has always supported Knapp’s long, syrupy backswing. He believes that a parallel backswing isn’t necessary for generating power, and points to past long hitters like John Daly and Fred Couples as proof that going past parallel can produce more speed. By allowing Knapp to rotate his body further back, while maintaining structural integrity, the potential for increased speed is maximized.
While many amateurs focus on keeping their left arm straight, Knapp’s swing emphasizes the importance of a straight right arm for generating power. By extending his right arm at the top of his swing, Knapp creates a powerful stretch in his arms that sets him up for increased clubhead velocity through impact. This unique position allows for a gradual increase in speed on the downswing, leading to maximum clubhead speed at impact.
Despite common beliefs that a shorter backswing is necessary for accuracy, Knapp’s coach, Dahlquist, explains that a longer swing can actually benefit amateurs in two ways. Firstly, it provides more time to square up the clubface with the hands, leading to more accurate shots. Secondly, the extended backswing allows for the club to ramp up in speed over a longer period, providing amateur golfers with the opportunity to generate more clubhead speed.
Incorporating elements of both old-school and modern swings, Jake Knapp’s swing is a unique blend that has garnered attention on the PGA Tour. With his long, syrupy backswing and focus on maximizing clubhead speed through precise positioning, Knapp has seen success early in his career. By embracing his unconventional swing and working with a coach who supports his natural tendencies, Knapp has been able to optimize his performance and achieve impressive results on tour.
