Pro Tip – Have a Trigger!
Ever noticed how your practice swings feel smooth and effortless, but when it’s time to hit the ball, tension creeps in? You take a few great rehearsal swings, step up to the ball, freeze for a few seconds, and suddenly your swing feels stiff and unnatural.
This happens to golfers of all levels—even the pros. Imagine standing over a putt worth $11 million—nerves would be inevitable! To stay relaxed and fluid, professionals use a swing trigger—a small movement just before the swing to keep things in motion and prevent tension.
While a full pre-shot routine is important, a swing trigger is a subtle but powerful way to maintain rhythm. It’s the last step before taking a shot, ensuring your muscles stay loose and ready to move.
Some examples from the pros:
🏌️♂️ Dustin Johnson initiates his swing with a slight forward press of the hands.
🏌️♂️ Matt Kuchar lifts and hovers his club slightly behind the ball before swinging.
🏌️♂️ Rickie Fowler starts his putting stroke with a similar hover.
🏌️♂️ Henrik Stenson, known for his elite ball striking, shifts his weight slightly and adjusts his shoulder angle as his trigger.
Adding a small, intentional movement before your swing—whether it’s a slight press, hover, or weight shift—can help you stay relaxed and swing more freely. Try incorporating a swing trigger into your routine and see if it makes a difference!