LEADERBOARD (after 3rd Round)

Mike Weir

Much has been made of the 'Stack and Tilt' swing this year. Mike Weir is a big believer of this motion. Personally I feel that the description of the concepts have been over exaggerated to help players develop the feel for the movement. Over exaggeration of the movement is a common teaching technique to help players feel the movement they are trying to create.

If you are trying to create better balance and consistency with your golf swing then watch Weir's swing. Pay attention to his left leg during his backswing. His leg stays in exactly the same position as it is at address. His left hip will rotate back, but his leg stays virtually the same as the start.

Many players create movement by getting their back leg out of position. this creates side to side movement. That motion is hard to create consistent contact.

The other great thing to watch in Weir's game is his swing rehearsal. He always makes a half back swing before he sets to hit his shot. No matter what swing he has been using, he has almost always had this routine. He tried changing it for a while, but quickly brought it back when it hurt his game. It is a great concept to copy, particularly if you are trying to change something in your backswing. The rehearsal let's you get a feel for the move you are trying to make before you pull the trigger for your shot.

Villegas is a young superstar in the making. He has not had the tournament success of Anthony Kim...but it is coming. He has got great game, and certainly proved that he can go low. His 63 during the third round jumped to second place and a shot at the championship.

He is using a great drill in the video above. If you find your ball starts left or right of your target then try this drill. It helps you develop a straight path through the ball. Your club path determined where your ball will start. He is practicing getting is ball to start at his target.

When you watch Villegas this weekend, pay close attention to the length of his backswing. You may be surprised by how short it is. A long swing does not mean more power if it is not done properly. He averages 296 yards off the tee. That is plenty long enough! Using a proper shoulder turn, only turn as far as your flexibility will allow you. If you let your arms go farther than you turn you will lose both power and accuracy.

When you practice think of stopping your hands at shoulder height. You will be surprised at the power you will create.

Vijay Singh

Singh finds himself atop the FEDEX CUP points standings. He has certainly done that with great play over the last 2 weeks.

The greatest thing about Singh's swing is how relaxed he his. If you watch the video above, watch how his body propels his arms through the golf ball. With this type of swing, the more your arms are relaxed the more power you will generate.

I like to demonstrate a drill when I teach that shows the difference between an arm swing and a body swing. First I show how fast I can swing using just my arms. Then I show the same thing using no arms and only my body. It is no contest...I can create way more club head speed with the body swing. The bonus is that the club also returns to the same place every time. Watch Vijay to get a sense of how relaxed his arms are and how that could benefit your game.

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