The Big Swing: Billy Horschel

May 07, 2014

TOTAL DRIVING

Most swings on the PGA Tour are built for either big distance or hitting lasers down the sprinkler line. And they're not hard to peg. Bubba Watson makes a giant backswing and really drives his legs. Result: 350-yard bombs. Zach Johnson stays centered over the ball and swings way shorter. Result: three out of four fairways. But sometimes we see a player like Billy Horschel who's a bomber and a control guy. Let's see what Billy does to keep up with the big boys and also keep the ball in play. Pick which tips you want, or be like Billy and take them all.

FOR CONTROL

Billy's head doesn't shift off the ball, so his swing has fewer moving parts. If you sway to the right, it's harder to consistently hit the ball solid.Tip: Rotate around the top of your spine.

FOR POWER

He gets great arm extension starting back, which sets up a wide swing arc and literally pulls his shoulders into the backswing turn.Tip: As you go back, push the heel of your right hand against your left thumb.

FOR CONTROL

The leading edge of the club matches his left forearm at the top, which means the face is square. This comes from starting with a neutral grip.Tip: Grip with your left thumb just right of center on the club, about 1 o'clock.

FOR POWER

Big turn here. More windup means more speed when you unwind.Tip: Turn your left shoulder behind the ball going back.

FOR CONTROL

Pure bombers pull the arms in close to the body here. Billy stays wide, which helps the club come in square and on line.Tip: Keep space between your right elbow and right side.

FOR POWER

His legs drive the downswing. This ensures the club will gain momentum at the right point.Tip: Get the left knee over the left foot.

FOR CONTROL

Billy's wrists are solid when he hits the ball. He squares the club with body turn, not by flipping his hands.Tip: Feel like your left wrist is flat at impact.

FOR POWER

His hips are more open than his shoulders. This proves his lower body is leading his upper body, which creates energy that goes down his arms and to the clubhead.Tip: Turn your left hip out of the way, and swing through.

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The Big Swing: Billy Horschel

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TOTAL DRIVING

FOR CONTROL

FOR POWER

FOR CONTROL

FOR POWER

FOR CONTROL

FOR POWER

FOR CONTROL

FOR POWER

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