Xander Schauffele's Stress-Free Driver Pre-Shot Routine
How does Xander Schauffele keep his driver swing so effortless? With Danny Maude, he walks through his pre-shot routine—from choosing a target to the waggle that releases tension in his forearms—and then demonstrates his two adjustments when he needs to clear a bunker 300 yards away.
To be continued
What the lesson shows
For Schauffele, the driver is the “freest” club in his bag, because it offers the greatest margin for error. He chooses his target (the middle of the fairway, or even the rough on the left), then a point of aim about two feet in front of the ball: too close or too far—the slightest mistake sends it off course. He points the clubface toward that spot and aligns himself parallel to it. His weakness with the driver: shoulders that open up. This causes him to shift his weight to the left side and “pinch” his shoulder slightly, because—unlike Rory McIlroy—he doesn’t know how to compensate for an open stance during the swing.
Next comes the Waggle: Without a specific structure, it helps keep the forearms relaxed and allows you to feel the torso set the club in motion; the shoulders roll back, and the hips follow. To hit the ball farther, two things change: the ball is placed higher on the tee and further forward, near the left heel, left shoulder raised to attack on the backswing, then a slight Left heel detachment during the backswing, really loading up his right hip. He “tenses up” mentally, without taking a deep breath, though.
The Exercise, Step by Step
- Behind the ball, choose your side of the fairway and a distant target.
- Aim about two feet in front of the ball.
- Place it facing that point and align it parallel to the line.
- Check your shoulders: slightly tighten the left side so they stay square.
- Do a relaxed waggle to release any tension in your forearms.
- Start the backswing by rolling your shoulders back, and let your hips follow.
- To hit the ball farther: hit the ball higher and further forward, raise your left shoulder, and lift your left heel slightly while shifting your weight to your right hip.
Key Takeaways
Mistakes to Avoid
- Choosing a aiming point that is too close to or too far from the ball.
- Let your shoulders open at the address and make contact.
- Tense your forearms above the ball.
- Pull the club back using your lower body.
- Lift your left heel without shifting your weight to your right hip: do not shift your weight at all.
Driving Range Mode
Keep it in plain sight, on the rug.
- Complete pre-shot routine before each drive: stance, target, alignment
- Checking for square shoulders with a club resting on the chest
- A relaxed waggle before each shot
- Alternate between a placement drive and a “carry” drive, with a higher ball and the heel lifted
Your Questions
Where does Xander Schauffele aim?
About two feet in front of the ball, on his target line. He explains that he has made mistakes in the past by standing too close or too far away: even the slightest misalignment would put him in the wrong position.
What is the purpose of his waggle?
He used to use it to control the clubface angle. Today, it’s mainly a way to keep his forearms relaxed and to feel his core initiate the swing.
Why does he raise his left shoulder to hit the ball far?
Since the ball is farther forward and higher, he doesn't want to hit it with his shoulders flat. As he moves sideways, he prefers to raise his left shoulder rather than lean his body into an “inverted K” shape.
Is lifting your left heel enough to gain distance?
No. Schauffele insists: you have to keep shifting your weight heavily onto your right hip. Lifting your heel without shifting your weight is an empty movement.
Learn More
Video posted on YouTube by its creator (Xander Schauffele). Best Golf Tips selects and summarizes the best free lessons without hosting them.