Understanding Different Types of Golf Swings

If you approached a selection of golfing instructors and asked them about the right way to swing a golf club, many of their answers regarding golf swing methods would likely completely contradict each other. Does this make them bad coaches? No, and that’s because while all the pros have different swings, they make their swings work for them. Understanding the different golf swings’ names and which one offers the best results for your style is key to reaching your potential as a player. Let’s explore the various types of golf swings, which swing is the best, and how you can get the most from your game.

What are the Different Types of Golf Swings?

Different golf swings benefit players in a particular way because everyone has strengths and weaknesses unique to their game. It’s important to experiment with the various golf swing types and monitor your results.

Understanding Different Types of Golf Swings

If you approached a selection of golfing instructors and asked them about the right way to swing a golf club, many of their answers regarding golf swing methods would likely completely contradict each other. Does this make them bad coaches? No, and that’s because while all the pros have different swings, they make their swings work for them. Understanding the different golf swings’ names and which one offers the best results for your style is key to reaching your potential as a player. Let’s explore the various types of golf swings, which swing is the best, and how you can get the most from your game.

What are the Different Types of Golf Swings?

Different golf swings benefit players in a particular way because everyone has strengths and weaknesses unique to their game. It’s important to experiment with the various golf swing types and monitor your results.

TIGER WOODS

Rotational Based Swing

When it comes to golf club swings, the rotational-based swing is all about power. Designed for more athletic players, the rotational-based swing puts power into a full body rotation. Stronger muscles enable players to use this swing to create consistency when they approach every shot. Due to the demands on the body, those with less physical strength will find it difficult to control this type of swing.

JIM FURYK

Hands and Arms-Based Swing

As far as swing methods go, the hands and arms-based swing utilizes the arms and hands to guide the direction of the ball in the shot. While this body movement may seem strange, it uses alternate leverage points from other types of golf swings. This specific swing sequence focuses on using the body as a stabilizing force to allow more of the arms and hands movement to create more of a flipping motion through impact. One great drill to work on to prevent any wrist injuries of the arms and hands is to try the glove under the lead-arm drill. To train your mind and body to engage your core muscles first, it’s important to keep the body rotating through impact to achieve a more consistent ball flight trajectory.

ALISON LEE

Separation Based Swing

If you ask to have this golf swing explained to you, any instructor will tell you it requires added flexibility. You need to create separation by turning your shoulders on the backswing and freezing your hips in place. It takes a lot of effort to get this swing right. The separation-based swing should be avoided for golfers with limited mobility or players who lack athleticism as an injury is a real possibility.

RORY MCILORY

Directing the Momentum Swing

The directing the momentum swing is a simplified hybrid between utilizing the body’s rotation for power and using the hands and arms to control the momentum of your swing. Players often describe this swing as the most natural way to hit a ball. Unless you have a severe lack of mobility and flexibility, this is the swing many beginners choose to start with when first learning the game.

RICKIE FOWLER

Single Plane Swing

Perhaps the most difficult of the different types of golf swings is the single plane swing. This type of golf swing has a different feel because players always begin with their hands higher than normal at the top of their swing. The one downside of the single plane swing is that most beginners struggle to get their arms and shoulders on the same plane on the downswing to create more right-to-left shots. It takes patience and commitment to master this swing to build more consistency on the driving range. Some of the top PGA professionals on tour like Rickie Fowler and Lee Westwood use the single plane swing to achieve a straight-draw trajectory on the course during competition.

Which of the Different Swings is Best?

Golf club swings are all designed to accomplish the same thing: strike the ball with consistency on the driving range. It’s highly recommended that you take the time to learn two or more of these swing methods and keep them in your arsenal. It can improve your game, provide a unique perspective, and give you added flexibility as a player. So, what defines which golf swing will work best for you?

Control the Bottom Swing – The ability of the golfer to hit the ground where they intended 99% of the time. It all depends on controlling the bottom swing.

Control the Curve – The best golfers can curve the ball to shape the flight trajectory towards the target. 

Control the Power – Many of these shots are designed to add distance to your game. Giving yourself that extra 10 mph could shave up to 20 shots from your round.

In the meantime, hire a coach specializing in the specific type of swing you want to learn. Let them teach you what they know. If they have no familiarity with the swing you’re interested in, move on to an instructor more suited to your needs.

Tips to Improve Your Golf Swing Methods

You can take action today to improve your technique, regardless of the swing methods you prefer. Here are some of our favorite tips for great swings:

● Loosen your grip. Clutching your club tightly does not necessarily translate to more power. Relax your arms slightly.

● Refine your golf stance. Your swing counts for nothing if it isn’t coming from a stable foundation.

● Count every shot on the driving range as you approach the ball for better tempo.

● Leave room for a missed shot. On the first shot with a driver, beginners will aim for the flag on the tee box while pros aim for a side of the course to keep their ball in play. 

● Hire a coach. Professional instruction can work wonders for your swing.

Overall, the best tip is to be patient and commit to mastering your ideal selection of golf swings. It takes years for avid golfers to start hitting those better handicaps. Commit to improvement and go the extra mile to be ahead of your peers.

Conclusion

The types of golf swings you choose to master are an important piece of learning the basic fundamentals of the game to become a better player. Your swing is a combination of speed and power to ensure consistency both on the driving range and golf course. Take a leaf out of the books of the professional PGA Tour players and invest in your game. At Uneekor, our smart golfing simulator is designed to reveal the science behind every swing. Contact Uneekor to learn more about intelligent golfing solutions that will help you to card lower.