There are many conventions on how to start your back swing. I think over the years, I have tried them all. Straight arm, hinge wrist, push out, or draw in……they all had the magic cure to my swing woes. As it turned out, none of them actually helped much and so now I draw the club back on a normal swing plane and try to keep everything aligned. However, my back swing starts with my club resting on the ground. After watching Justin Thomas, I am not sure I am doing the right thing. 

I was scrolling through some Twitter feeds when I came across this:

JT + The Bahamas = 👌.#HeroWorldChallenge pic.twitter.com/BHNrqJUZln

— National Club Golfer (@NCGMagazine) November 28, 2018

It looks to me like JT is using his 3 wood off the tee. The profile of the club head is smaller than a driver. Regardless, right before he starts his back swing, he lifts the club head an inch or so. After this initial movement, he starts his routine and crushes the ball.

What caught my eye was the upward movement of the club as he started his swing sequence. I have watched players hover their club for a moment as they steady themselves before starting their back swing, but not in the manner that JT is moving. 

I might be missing something, but that extra movement seems wasted. I understand he is trying to set his club head in the slot as part of his swing routine, but moving the club up an inch and continuing on to the rest of his swing routine seems like an opportunity for something to go wrong. I figure that any extra movements, especially moving upwards can spell disaster if my swing is not spot on. 

Is it possible that this upward movement is part of his pre-shot routine?

I might be overthinking this a bit and really who am I to critique JT, however am I missing something? Does JT’s swing look like this extra movement is a bit of a waste or an opportunity for disaster?

What are your thoughts? Is JT on to something? Would you incorporate this movement into your swing?

I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!