When walking around Augusta National with fellow newsletter writer Sam Weinman, the discussion naturally turned to golf swings, specifically Tommy Fleetwood’s golf swing. Sam pointed out that he receives more swing videos of Tommy Fleetwood on Instagram than anyone else, sparking a conversation about why golfers seem to be so intrigued by Fleetwood’s swing. Fleetwood himself acknowledges that his swing has a good framework that could benefit many golfers, as it emphasizes staying centered on the backswing to facilitate weight transfer and clubface control.
One key aspect of Fleetwood’s swing is his emphasis on not sliding during the backswing. By staying centered, he can easily transfer his weight and get to his lead side on the downswing, leading to more consistent and accurate ball striking. Fleetwood often practices with a caddy holding an alignment stick on the right side of his head to prevent any excessive lateral movement. This focus on maintaining a centered position helps him avoid common faults such as chunked shots and tops that plague many amateur golfers.
Another critical element of Fleetwood’s swing is his clubface control, as the clubface plays a significant role in determining the ball’s starting direction. To ensure proper clubface alignment, Fleetwood utilizes an abbreviated follow-through that emphasizes finishing with straight arms and a chest pointing towards the target. This technique allows him to feel where the clubface is throughout the swing and ensures a more consistent ball flight. These subtle adjustments can greatly benefit golfers looking to improve their shot accuracy and control.
Fleetwood’s neutral(ish) swing path is the final piece of his swing framework, as he focuses on maintaining a relatively neutral path to prevent any extreme deviations in clubhead direction. Swinging too far to the left or right can lead to inconsistent ball flight and missed shots, so Fleetwood emphasizes feeling the right movements to maintain a consistent swing path. By focusing on these basic fundamentals, Fleetwood ensures that his swing remains stable and repeatable, leading to more consistent performance on the course.
Overall, Tommy Fleetwood’s swing can serve as a valuable model for amateur golfers looking to improve their game. By emphasizing the importance of staying centered on the backswing, controlling the clubface, and maintaining a neutral swing path, Fleetwood showcases a simple yet effective approach to golf swing mechanics. These key principles can help golfers of all skill levels enhance their ball striking and overall performance, potentially leading to lower scores and more enjoyable rounds on the course. Next time you see a Tommy Fleetwood swing video on Instagram, take note of these key elements and see if you can apply them to your own game for improved results.
