Jake Knapp, the PGA Tour’s hottest rookie, has a unique swing that generates a lot of power despite minimal wrist cock going back. His swing coach, John Ortega, credits his extra-wide takeaway as a key factor in this. Knapp stretches his arms and the clubhead well away from his body during the first few feet of his swing, creating a massive arc that he maintains through the backswing. This longer arc allows for more distance traveled by the clubhead, resulting in increased speed and distance. Knapp’s impressive clubhead speed and driving distance on the PGA Tour are a testament to the effectiveness of his swing technique.
According to Ortega, using the analogy of a long putting stroke helps Knapp maintain the proper clubhead position during the takeaway, preventing it from going inside the hands. This ensures that Knapp’s hands and clubhead stay in line or slightly outside each other, maximizing width and accuracy in his swing. By visualizing a giant putting stroke, Knapp is able to keep the clubhead low to the ground for as long as possible and push it away from his body, setting up a lengthy and powerful backswing.
Ortega believes that there is nothing wrong with swinging the club well past parallel at the top of the backswing, referencing legendary long hitters like John Daly and Fred Couples who also exhibited this trait. As long as the golfer maintains proper structure and rotation without collapsing the arms, going past parallel can result in increased speed and distance. Ortega’s instruction at Costa Mesa Country Club has been instrumental in developing Knapp’s unique swing style and maximizing his potential on the PGA Tour.
Knapp’s swing technique, characterized by a wide takeaway and long backswing, has garnered attention for its ability to generate power and distance. His impressive clubhead speed and driving distance statistics on the PGA Tour are a reflection of the effectiveness of his swing mechanics. By focusing on maintaining proper clubhead position and utilizing the analogy of a long putting stroke, Knapp has been able to overcome shortcomings in his swing and achieve success at the professional level.
The concept of a long putting stroke has helped Knapp address issues such as taking the clubhead back inside his hands during the takeaway, which can compromise width and accuracy in the swing. By emphasizing a wide arc and pushing the clubhead away from the body, Knapp is able to create a more efficient and powerful backswing. Ortega’s coaching philosophy, rooted in the idea of maximizing distance through proper rotation and arm extension, has played a significant role in shaping Knapp’s swing and enhancing his performance on the PGA Tour.
Ultimately, Knapp’s unconventional swing style and focus on maintaining width and clubhead position have been key factors in his success as a professional golfer. By embracing a wide takeaway, visualizing a long putting stroke, and embodying the concept of swinging past parallel, Knapp has been able to leverage his natural power and athleticism to achieve impressive results on the PGA Tour. With Ortega’s guidance and expertise, Knapp continues to refine his swing and further develop his skills as he competes among the best in the world of golf.
