Early extension in golf is when the lower body moves towards the golf ball during the downswing, causing the spine angle to straighten prematurely. While it’s often flagged as a swing flaw, there’s no denying the success of some professional golfers who’ve incorporated it into their game. We’re diving into the distinct styles of four top golfers – Scottie Scheffler, Justin Thomas, Louis Oosthuizen, and Tyrrell Hatton – who are known to occasionally early extend.
Pro Golfers That Early Extend
- Scottie Scheffler
- Justin Thomas
- Louis Oosthuizen
- Tyrrell Hatton
Scottie Scheffler
The Texas-born PGA Tour star has a uniquely flexible swing. His early extension can be seen in his aggressive hip rotation. When he swings, his lower body drives forward rather than spinning, leading to an upward thrust motion. It’s an aggressive move that sometimes seems out of sync, but Scheffler’s athleticism allows him to recover seamlessly and hit powerful, accurate shots.
Justin Thomas
Next, we have Justin Thomas. Thomas’ style shows a certain paradox: his early extension has turned into one of his swing signatures and has been instrumental in his powerful drives. While extending early, Thomas manages to maintain a solid left leg to anchor his downswing. His impressive club speed comes from his full body rotation, and despite the forward thrust, he always ensures his hands and club are in the right position at impact.
Louis Oosthuizen
South African Louis Oosthuizen is another pro golfer who has perfected the art of early extension. Unlike Scheffler and Thomas, Oosthuizen has a smoother, more rhythmic swing. His spine angle tends to straighten slightly early, but his exceptional timing and sequencing maintain the consistency of his shots. This extension allows him to achieve an efficient swing path that produces his renowned shot-making precision.
Tyrrell Hatton
English golfer Tyrrell Hatton’s early extension is the most subtle among these four. It’s noticeable in his downswing as his hips push slightly towards the ball. Hatton has demonstrated that the early extension, when synchronized with body rotation and arm swing, can yield a swing that’s both powerful and controlled.
Now, let’s address some questions surrounding the early extension swing style.
Is the early extension a flaw?
Not necessarily. It’s a unique technique that requires exceptional timing and body coordination. The listed golfers are proof that early extension can be advantageous when executed correctly.
How does it affect power and control?
An early extension can increase power as it leverages more aggressive body movement. However, control might be compromised if the golfer fails to maintain proper synchronization between body and club.
How can amateur golfers manage early extension?
Golfers who struggle with early extension should focus on maintaining the spine angle during the downswing. Practice drills focusing on hip rotation can help. However, if early extension becomes a consistent part of your swing, embracing and refining it, as these pros have, could also be beneficial.
Remember, every swing is as unique as the golfer who owns it. These pros illustrate that unconventional techniques like early extension can be harnessed successfully, making golf a game of endless possibilities and styles.