The Northern Trust Open 2020 has turned into fun. Dustin Johnson was in full flight. Nobody, and nothing, could stop him.
It was a joy to see, and I consider myself lucky to have gotten a front row seat at some of the symphonic concerts (I was part of the call for his final 9 holes in round two. Unfortunately, his relentless march to a round over the years. ’50 slowed down as I reached him. I saw him do two birdies on 10th and 11th and then the tap ran dry as he saved his last seven holes for 60).
Either way, it was a majestic performance, loaded with lessons to help you improve.
Before we dive into the golf swing technique, keep in mind that DJ is one of the most talented golfers in the game, if not the most talented. However, DJ also shot two consecutive rounds of 80 at the Memorial in June 2020, followed by 78 and a W / D the following week. Three short weeks later, he registers a crippling 30 under par to win at a gallop.
This is what golf is; it’s how golf behaves; that’s what golf does. It will confuse your mind and confuse your spirit. It will drive you crazy as it rips the carpet from under you and surprises you when, in its benevolence, it gives you that once-in-a-lifetime round.
What you need to do is stay consistent all the time. No matter the situation, keep your balance.
Mind, will, emotions and attitude; work hard to keep them in check. It will be difficult, but you have to approach everything with a regular keel. Watch DJ – he does just that. Whether it’s 60 or 80, it doesn’t change. It’s a difficult lesson, but it will definitely make your life less complicated and golf easier to manage.
Back, back to the golf swing. Many people like to focus on DJ’s extended wrist at the top of his backswing, along with his incredible mobility and speed. However, I want to highlight his body inclinations towards you. They are athletic, punctual and deserve to be emulated.
Understanding about your body tilts
You are essentially able to fold in four planes: for forward, backward, left and right. And you move through all of these during a full golf swing.
Dustin Johnson is a beautiful model for all of these and the inclinations are worth paying attention to as you watch his swing.
The good news is that they are easy to drill and learn:
Grab a golf club with your body in a regular standing posture and feet shoulder-width apart. Your arms should be slightly extended and relaxed with the shaft above your nose and pointing skyward.
Lean forward from the hips towards the ball – this is it “Forward Bend”.
Return to neutral (upright) and then lean back, away from the ball – this is “Backward bending. “
Return to neutral and then lean left, or “Curvature on the left side“
Go back to neutral and then lean to the right, that is “Curvature on the right side”.
Put your body tilts to work in your swing
Now that you know what they are, mix those positions using the key below. Pose each area of your swing and notice that you may feel some stretch and some work. Hold the position and once you have a handle, go back to the address and try rotating and swinging in that position, then hold it for good measure.
Practice these postures regularly and put those inclinations of the body in order. As you do this, you are sure to hit the ball more consistently.
Forward and upward!
