Ernie Els is known for his smooth and powerful swing in golf. His swing is admired for its grace and effectiveness, earning him the nickname “The Big Easy.” In June 1995, GOLF Magazine featured an article on Els’ swing, breaking down his tempo and powerful driving. Legendary instructor Jim Flick analyzed Els’ swing and highlighted the key components that make it successful.
At just 25 years old, Els had already mastered the three components needed for a controlled and repeatable swing: rhythm, balance, and timing. These terms are essential in the golf swing, with rhythm referring to the harmonious movement of the body and club, balance focusing on keeping all parts of the body under control, and timing involving the proper sequential movement of body parts and the club for maximum efficiency. Els demonstrated excellence in all three of these aspects.
Els’ setup plays a crucial role in the success of his swing. His spine angle away from the target promotes a full upper-body coil at the top of the backswing, while his wide platform with heels shoulder-width apart helps improve balance. Additionally, Els’ swing arc is ideal for his height, ensuring a rhythmic and balanced motion. He starts his swing with a swinging motion rather than a turn, reducing tension and promoting a draw shot shape, which is his preferred trajectory.
At impact, Els achieves a near-perfect position, delivering the clubhead squarely to the ball with superb timing, balance, and rhythm. Even with the clubhead moving at high speeds, Els maintains a relaxed body with no excessive lower-body twisting or sliding. Depending on the club being used, Els adjusts his head position to accommodate the desired clubhead path into impact. He focuses on controlling the club through a tension-minimizing swing that maximizes clubhead speed for precision shots.
Overall, Els’ swing is a testament to the importance of rhythm, balance, and timing in golf. By studying and implementing the elements of his swing, golfers can improve their own game and achieve smoother, more powerful swings. With a focus on setup, swing arc, and a swinging motion, players can emulate Els’ success on the course and maximize their potential for hitting closer to their targets consistently.
