While the two-plane swing is a lot more common in golf, many advocates swear by the one-plane swing for its consistency, accuracy, and power. In fact, many of the most successful pro golfers use the one-plane swing to great success.
The six most popular pro golfers who use a one-plane swing are Bryson DeChambeau, Tom Kite, Lee Trevino, Matt Kuchar, Kevin Kisner, and Larry Nelson. These golfers learned their techniques from Moe Norman and Ben Hogan, two of the first pro golfers to use the one-plane swing.
While the one-plane swing is uncommon, many professional players have used it to deliver astounding wins. This article will cover the top 6 pro golfers with a one-plane swing.
1. Bryson DeChambeau
Bryson DeChambeau takes an unorthodox approach to golf through the simplicity of the one-plane swing. In his own words, “two swing planes is one too many.”
He takes his approach a step further by using one-length irons, a set of irons that are all the same length and lie angle. Using the one-plane swing and one-length golf irons allows him to hit the ball the same way every time for improved accuracy and power.
While DeChambeau’s method is unorthodox and not the most approachable for new players, it allows golfers to focus on one aspect of the game and use that focus to deliver consistency in every swing.
2. Tom Kite
Tom Kite is widely regarded as one of the best ball-strikers in the history of professional golf and the most consistent user of the one-plane swing.
While his technique is unique, it allowed him to win 19 PGA tours over 30 years and is considered the textbook example of how to swing in a single plane.
He uses his hips and torso to drive power through his shoulders, using rotational motion instead of arm movements to drive the ball.
3. Lee Trevino
Like other proponents of the one-plane swing, Lee Trevino was an accurate and powerful ball striker during his prime. He attributes his mighty strokes to the consistency of the one-plane swing.
Lee Trevino used this technique to bring home 29 PGA Tour wins, inspiring many younger players to adopt his one-plane technique, most notably Jim Furyk and Adam Scott.
4. Jim Furyk
Where other golfers use the one-plane swing to excel at ball striking, Jim Furyk has employed it to become one of the most accurate players in the game.
While power and accuracy may seem like opposing forces in a golf swing, through the one-plane method, they’re two sides of the same coin.
By swinging in one plane and driving all their power through their torso, golf players can focus on consistency and delivery in every shot.
5. Adam Scott
Adam Scott, a pro golfer from Australia, has one of the most aesthetically pleasing swings in the world, and he matches it with a beautiful consistency in his ball striking.
A flat backswing characterizes Scott’s one-plane swing with a more rotational motion on the downswing. His swing is often compared to the late Ben Hogan’s, widely considered the technique’s original and most successful user.
6. Larry Nelson
Larry Nelson is unique because he learned to play golf as an adult, whereas most professional players begin as children.
Despite his later start, he quickly became a master of the one-plane swing, learned from Five Lessons by Ben Hogan, to take on 10 PGA victories, among other wins.
He attributes his success to the one-plane swing, which he admits helps him stay on the fairway, despite being somewhat mechanical when wedging or putting.