World Golf Ranking at the end of 2024, has averaged 307 yards off the tee the past three years. “It’s still a very powerful swing,” Zander says. “Look at his torso rotation; it’s incredible. And he starts loading into that lead leg as he’s still going back. That gives him time to set up that push-off move through impact. “Also, look at his head position. It’s well behind the ball and marks the low point of the swing. If you’re trying to hit up on the ball and launch it high with less spin, copy that.”
to help keep it in the fairway: “At the top of his swing, the face is shut as a result of bowing his left wrist. If he fully released from there, he would hook it,” Zander says. “But his left arm stays a little bent coming down, like Jordan Spieth in his heyday. It’s a clubface- opening move, and that keeps it more stable through impact. Granted, it’s a power leak, not letting that arm extend, but he’s got plenty to spare.” Hovland, 27, a six-time winner on the PGA Tour (three wins in 2023 when he won the FedEx Cup) and eighth on the
push off with an actual wedge. You’ll start sweeping it off the tee.” Ironically, Hovland says he’s trying to curtail the move, preferring to sacrifice a little power for accuracy. “I need to get my shaft a little forward at impact, so I’m not leaning back quite as much,” he says. “I try to flight it down . . . almost always trying to hit a cut.” To produce that lower, more controllable fade, Hovland sets up with a flared left foot, which helps delay the clubface from closing, Zander says. He also does a couple of other things
GOLF DIGEST SOUTH AFRICA 89
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025
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