Hitting the Big Time

Look at any world-class player, a powerful player, and one of the things that strikes you is the way in which they are able to turn on the heat and draw on extra power as and when they need to - it’s as if it’s on tap.

The initial four frames in both of these views of Henrik’s swing with a driver give you a very strong impression of just how much power he has at his disposal, as he demonstrates a wonderful body action that provides the 'engine’ to the swing. Following on from that, the immediate start to the downswing is a terrific example to all golfers of the way in which players of this calibre then retain that power for impact.

As ever, it all starts at the set-up, and Henrik uses his full height to create a consistent position with his own 'dynamic balance’. At 6’ 1", he is a lot taller than most people, and yet he doesn’t need quite the knee flex that some might suggest.

Looking down the line, pay attention to the fact that the arms are allowed to hang 'free’ from the shoulders - there is no stress or tension in the arms or shoulders.

All the lines are square and on line. Henrik’s initial coil starts from the ground upwards - as it must. With a terrific body action, he is rotating and gradually coiling up his swing. I particularly like the way in which he achieves great hand, arm and club balance - and everything is in perfect plane.

From that first move, Henrik simply continues the coiling motion and at the same time retains the angle between his left arm and the clubshaft. As you can see, he cocks his wrists a little later than most, and this reflects the fact that he is so strong and engineers his swing with such a terrific body action (not dissimilar to Tiger).

Oh, and here’s a challenge for all you wannabe swing sleuths out there: for my money, golf’s socalled 'secret move’ is right here, in frame 3 looking the line.