Steep golf swings are uncommon because they’re frowned upon for their various limitations. A steep swing can make it difficult to angle the golf ball, but that doesn’t stop many professionals from sticking to their swinging methods.
Pro golfers with steep swings include Tiger Woods, Jim Furyk, John Daly, and Josh Broadaway. Additionally, Calvin Peete, and Bubba Watson are known for their uniquely steep backswings that turn into shallow downswings. Some pro golfer’s swings change with age and injuries.
In this post, I’ll explain why some professional golfers have steep swings, whether or not a steep swing is good, and why a steep swing can work.
1. Tiger Woods
Tiger Woods’ swing technique has changed over the years. According to Gold Guidebook, his swing has become much steeper due to back injuries and knee stiffness. While this steepness has undoubtedly altered the way he swings, it hasn’t taken a toll on his performance. He still possesses an excellent address, as well as a great putting stance.
2. John Daly
John Daly’s shocking and often unpredictable lifestyle translates into his uniquely steep and harsh golf swing. He pulls the club so far back that the head wraps around to the front of his body before he swings it down in a steep, swift motion. There’s no doubt that he has one of the longest, stiffest swings in professional golf.
3. Jim Furyk
Jim Furyk has one of the strangest golf swings because of how steep, stiff, and quick he moves. The club is nearly vertical when it’s at the top of the backswing, then he pulls it down and rounds it out at the last moment before making contact with the ball.
4. Josh Broadaway
Golf Club Guru explains that Josh Broadaway’s backswing is one of the steepest in golf history. It’s completely vertical, which would hinder most golfers (but not him!). Much like Jim Furyk, he rounds the club at the last second to scoop the golf ball and gain a decent launch.
5. Calvin Peete
Calvin Peete had a very steep backswing due to a left arm injury that forced him to keep his elbow slightly bent throughout the swing. The club went completely vertical before he swiftly brought it down to the ball. His arm injury caused him to point the club away from his body throughout the swing, which is why it was so steep despite his hip rotation.
6. Bubba Watson
Bubba Watson’s steep swing is incredibly unique because he stays so far back from the golf ball. He brings the club far above his shoulders, then swings it extremely wide to compensate for the steep backswing.
Another thing to remember about his swing is that he elongated and stretched his left elbow at the top of the swing. He doesn’t round it until he’s about halfway down the swing, which most golfers couldn’t pull off.
