Xander Schauffele impressed at the PGA Championship with a nine-under 62 in the opening round, setting himself up as a top contender for the rest of the tournament. His playing partner, Justin Thomas, described it as one of the easiest nine-unders he had ever seen. One thing that stands out about Schauffele’s game is his pre-shot adjustment, which he performs before most of his shots.
Before each shot, Schauffele shuffles around, drops his right hand off the club, lifts the club into the air with his left arm, shuffles around again, and then returns his right hand to the club as he gets ready to swing. This adjustment helps him ensure that his shoulders are square, which is a critical element in his swing. Schauffele tends to align his shoulders slightly open to the left of his target, which can lead to errors in his swing path.
To correct this tendency, Schauffele’s coach, Chris Como, emphasizes the importance of getting the club less laid-off. By focusing on squaring his shoulders before each shot, Schauffele can improve his swing path and avoid landing in a laid-off position at the top of his swing. This adjustment helps him move the club more around him so that it aligns with his hands at the top of the backswing.
While Schauffele doesn’t perform this pre-shot adjustment before every shot, he seems to do it before most tee shots. Paying close attention to his setup routine can provide insights into his swing mechanics and how he maintains consistency in his game. By incorporating this small yet impactful adjustment into his routine, Schauffele sets himself up for success on the course and positions himself as a strong competitor in professional golf tournaments like the PGA Championship.
In conclusion, Xander Schauffele’s pre-shot adjustment may seem subtle, but it plays a significant role in his success on the golf course. By focusing on squaring his shoulders and improving his swing path, Schauffele ensures that he delivers consistent, accurate shots throughout his rounds. Observing his setup routine can provide valuable lessons for amateur golfers looking to improve their own games and enhance their performance on the course. As Schauffele continues to showcase his skills on the PGA Tour, his pre-shot adjustment will remain a key aspect of his game that sets him apart from his competitors.
