Bryson DeChambeau's Swing: Grip, Triangle, Rotation
No extreme speeds here: Bryson DeChambeau demonstrates the four fundamentals that make his swing consistent, then has Adam—who hardly ever plays—apply them. After a few swings, Adam finally hits the ball before it touches the ground.
To be continued
What the lesson shows
First point: a comfortable grip, whatever it may be (ten-finger, interlock, overlap). DeChambeau uses a fairly weak grip, held mostly in the palm with thick grips, and determines the clubface position based on the weight of the clubhead. Second point: what he calls the “triangle” (a term from *The Golfing Machine* that I learned from Mike Schy): the top of the left arm rotated as far inward as possible, the forearm outward, and then he takes the club. These opposing rotations lock the arms in place and keep the left arm straight. Third point: keep the hips stable and turn your chest, with the sternum pointing toward the end of the handle.
Fourth point: the impact—we’re still taking hits down, ball then divot, without ever trying to lift the ball. The right arm extends forward along the line, not toward the ground. For Adam, the divots result from his right arm extending toward the ground too early and from positioning the club too far behind the ball: he places the club just behind the ball, in the middle of his stance, and aims for a divot in front of it. One last tip for bunker shots: draw a line and strike the sand just in front of it.
The Exercise, Step by Step
- Use a grip that feels comfortable to you, with your thumbs roughly in the center of the handle and one to three knuckles of your left hand visible.
- Rotate your left upper arm inward and your forearm outward, then close your hands around the club.
- Place the club just behind the ball, with the ball in the middle of your stance.
- Rotate your chest to the right and then to the left, keeping your hips steady and your sternum facing the end of the handle.
- On the downswing, keep the clubhead ahead of the ball and swing down through it.
- Extend your right arm toward the flag after impact and look for a divot in front of the ball.
Key Takeaways
Mistakes to Avoid
- Try to lift the ball instead of hitting it down.
- Reaching your right arm toward the ground too soon: that's a fat shot.
- Placing the club too far behind the ball at address.
- Keep the clubface open at impact; hit the ball toward the toe.
- Bend your left arm and lose the swing arc.
Driving Range Mode
Keep it in plain sight, on the rug.
- Half-swing: chest to the right, chest to the left, left arm extended
- Aim the center of the clubface at the center of the ball; slow swings
- If you're taking a divot, go all out: take a deep divot right in front of the ball
- Bunker: Draw a line and hit the sand just in front of it, keeping your head down
Your Questions
Should you copy DeChambeau's grip?
No. He insists: the grip must first and foremost be comfortable and allow you to feel the clubface. He plays with a weak grip and a palm grip, using thick grips, but he lets everyone choose their own style.
What is the “triangle” he’s talking about?
Both arms and shoulders form a triangle that he locks in place with opposing rotations: the upper left arm rotates inward, and the forearm rotates outward. This lock keeps the left arm straight and allows him to feel the clubhead better.
Why point your left elbow toward the target?
As soon as his elbow turns downward, the clubface closes. By keeping it pointed toward the target, he can hit the ball hard with a neutral or weak grip without his hand drifting to the left.
How did Adam stop scratching?
To put it bluntly: he aimed at a divot well in front of the ball and swung straight down, with his right arm extended toward the flag. He then hit the ball first.
Learn More
Video posted on YouTube by its creator (Bryson DeChambeau). Best Golf Tips selects and summarizes the best free lessons, without hosting them.