Justin Thomas recently broke a three-year winless streak by winning the RBC Heritage tournament with a record-setting opening round of 61. Despite his relatively small stature, Thomas is known for his exceptional ball striking skills and currently ranks 10th in SG: Tee to Green and fourth in SG: Total on the PGA Tour. One of the key factors contributing to Thomas’ success is his ability to generate a high clubhead speed with his driver, clocking in at an impressive 118.2 mph. So, how does Thomas generate so much power with his driver? CBS analyst Trevor Immelman used GOLFTEC’s OptiMotion technology to break down Thomas’ swing and identify the key moves that contribute to his impressive clubhead speed.
At address, Thomas sets up in great posture with his arms dangling naturally in front of him and his shoulders tilted forward at 38 degrees. As he transitions into the backswing, Thomas positions his hands high, which aids in his acceleration during the downswing. His father and swing coach, Mike Thomas, has pointed out that this position allows for more freedom and rhythm in the swing, as well as creating more speed and a steeper angle of attack on the downswing. As Thomas begins his downswing, he quickly fires his trail hip and pulls his right heel off the ground, a move that can be detrimental if not executed correctly. However, Thomas counteracts this move by pushing off the ground with his lead foot, generating a significant amount of power in the process.
Immelman highlights Thomas’ ability to raise the handle of the club and explode into the ball, compensating for the lack of shoulder bend forward during the downswing. This explosive move translates into increased clubhead speed and distance off the tee, allowing Thomas to compete with the longer hitters on the PGA Tour. To experience the same level of swing analysis and technology that the pros use, GOLFTEC offers swing evaluations that can provide valuable insights into your swing mechanics and help optimize your performance on the course. By understanding the key elements of Justin Thomas’ swing and how he generates clubhead speed, golfers can learn valuable lessons that can improve their own game and increase their driving distance.
