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BackswingBody RotationSwing and Swing Plane All clubs Intermediate ⏱ 2 min 🇬🇧 Video in English, summarized

Scottie Scheffler's Backswing: The Pencil-in-the-Grip Drill

At the top of his backswing, Scottie Scheffler’s club tended to cross the line. With his coach, Randy Smith, he came up with a very simple reference point: a small extension attached to the end of the grip—which you can replace with a pencil at home.

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Scottie Scheffler
Scottie Scheffler · his YouTube channelFree lesson selected by Fred P.

To be continued

2 minSame problemJustin Rose's ball drill: rotating without liftingJustin Rose · Intermediate16 minSame problemJon Rahm's Short Driver Backswing ExplainedJon Rahm · Intermediate / Expert2 minFrom the same proWedge from Pine Straw: Scottie SchefflerScottie Scheffler · Intermediate / Expert

What the lesson shows

The initial flaw: at the top of his swing, Scheffler was pulling the club too far, across the line. The extension attached to the end of the grip gives him immediate visual feedback: he can see it out of the corner of his eye and feel where the club is pointing. He tries to position it along the line of play rather than across.

The exercise has a side effect that Randy Smith appreciates: when crossing, the extension that “turns the corner” forces you to to engage the glutes and maintain proper form. When the club crosses the line, Scheffler shows that his hips rise and move toward the ball. He never touches the extension during the swing—it’s a feel thing. At home, a pencil stuck in the end of any grip does the same job, no matter what your flaw is at the top of the swing.

The Exercise, Step by Step

  1. Stick a pencil (or a small stick) into the hole at the end of your grip.
  2. Slowly raise the club to the top of the backswing.
  3. Look at the shaft from the corner of your eye: it should point along the line of play.
  4. If your tendency is the opposite, point the rod in the direction that corrects your mistake.
  5. Step down and cross over, letting the bar pass “around the corner”: keep your glutes engaged and stay bent over.
  6. Hit a few balls while maintaining the same feel, without ever touching the shaft.

Key Takeaways

A club that crosses the line at the top of the swing throws off the entire lower body.
The extension at the end of the grip provides immediate visual feedback.
Note: The extension points along the axis of the playing line, not across it.
When crossed, it helps to engage the glutes and maintain proper posture.
A pencil stuck in the grip is all you need to practice at home.

Mistakes to Avoid

  • Lead the club across the finish line to the top.
  • Let your hips rise and move toward the ball as you cross over.
  • Bounce back to make room for the team in the relegation zone.
  • Try to look at the stem by turning your head instead of glancing at it out of the corner of your eye.

Driving Range Mode

Keep it in plain sight, on the rug.

  1. Slow swings all the way to the top, controlling the shaft with the corner of your eye
  2. Full swings without a ball, glutes pushing back as the club crosses
  3. A few shots with the shaft, then without it, while maintaining the feel
  4. Homemade version: a pencil in the grip in front of a mirror

Your Questions

What flaw did this exercise correct in Scheffler?

He was taking the club too far back on the backswing, to the point where it crossed the line. The extension shows him where the club is pointing and helps him align it properly.

Do you need a special accessory?

No. In the video, they suggest sticking a pencil into the end of any grip to get the same visual reference point.

Why does exercise also help the lower body?

During the swing, the shaft forces the golfer to keep the buttocks back and maintain proper posture. When the club crosses the line, Scheffler shows that his hips rise and move toward the ball.

Is there a risk of bumping into the rod?

Scheffler points out that he never touches it: the longer shaft instinctively makes room for the club. It’s a sensation, not an obstacle.

Learn More

All “Backswing” videos →Find the lesson that's right for youAll “Body Rotation” videos →Find the lesson that's right for youAll “Swing and Swing Plane” videos →Find the lesson that's right for you Complete the backswing: move your body out of the way of your armInstead of turning your shoulders away from a locked lower body, let your hips and chest free up your left arm to swing the club effortlessly. Golf Swing Follow-Through: Translation, Rotation, ExtensionSequential hip support recovery (lateral translation, rotation, extension): club on the shoulders; a stick is used to correct those who turn and stand up too early. Pete Cowen's Golf Pivot: The Spiral SwingPeter Cowen builds the posture from the hip bones, then describes the pivot as a spiral that rises from the left foot to the right shoulder and uncoils. Scottie SchefflerAll of his lessons

Video posted on YouTube by its creator (Scottie Scheffler). Best Golf Tips selects and summarizes the best free lessons without hosting them.

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