This article was created by Steve Thomas and featured in Today's Golfer magazine for their August 2020 (July 2nd-29th) edition - Issue number 402.
The article content:
TOP 50 TEACHER Steve Thomas www.stevethomasgolt.com, Senior PGA Instructor at Three Hammers Golf Academy, Wolverhampton.
Role model… JON RAHM
While you'd be hard pushed to find any pro who welcomed the enforced break from tour action, the coronavirus pandemic hit at an especially bad time for Jon Rahm. A T3 finish in the Spaniard's last event - late February's VWGC Mexico Championship-was the latest in a string of fine performances that had seen him reach No.2 in the world rankings. His rich run of form had seen six top-three finishes in his last 10 events, including two victories. We can only hope he picks up where he left off once tournament play resumes.
Rahm has a superb all-round game, but inevitably it's his power that is most eye-catching. You might not have his brawny 6ft 2in frame, but there is much to learn from the 25-year-old's technique that can add firepower to your own tee game.
RIGHT ANGLE
Notice how Jon's club shaft points down to the golf ball. Club golfers often have the shaft in a more vertical position, causing slicing and mishits. It you struggle with this, get into your golf posture with a wall 1ft behind your heels. Swing back normally but on the way down, slowly drag the club head down the wall until you get to the same position Jon demonstrates here.
REV THE BIKE, SQUARE THE FACE
Jon's right wrist is extended with the left slightly flexed, allowing us to see the logo on the back of his glove. It's a great way for the club player to reduce a slice as it helps square the face at impact. To grasp this move, imagine revving the throttle on a motorcycle and how you right wrist would move to do this. Make slow-motion downswings, moving your wrists with this idea in mind.
HIPS OPEN, SHOULDERS CLOSED
Jon's hips have already rotated through square... but importantly, his shoulders are still closed to his target. This shows he has created a rotational 'separation through his body. Not only does this build power, it also keeps the club on a great delivery path. To train this move take your stance in front of a wall, place both palms on it, and practice clearing your lead hip.
SQUEEZE THE SPONGE
See how Jon's right heel remains close to the ground. This allows him to keep the club on a good swing plane and improves timing. Many club golfers move pressure into their toes as soon as they start down, which can encourage an over-the-top action. If you struggle with this, swing with a sponge under the heel of your trail foot. Don't let it decompress until late into the downswing
JON'S 2019 BY NUMBERS
Driving distance: 305.6 yards (20th)
Strokes gained (tee): .692 (5th)
Driving accuracy: 62.5.01% (95th)
Stroke average :6941 (6th)
World ranking: 2nd
Written by PGA Professional Steve Thomas
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