Effortless Power! Perfect Your Swing Mechanics - Player Lesson with Billy Fitzgerald

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In this lesson, Mike Malaska works with Billy Fitzgerald to correct the initial movement of the backswing. Mike points out that both he and Billy have developed a habit where their forearm’s external rotation locks up early in the swing, which affects the shoulder and causes the club to go up and across the line. Mike explains that without unlocking this movement and re-engaging the scapula, it becomes difficult for Billy to recover in the downswing, leading to rerouting and inconsistent shots. By focusing on keeping the club on the correct path, Billy can avoid these issues.

Mike emphasizes the importance of using momentum properly throughout the swing. He instructs Billy to let the club move back while keeping the handle straight, ensuring the arc remains steep enough to allow for smooth directional changes. By doing so, Billy can avoid letting his arms get pulled in, which would disrupt the swing. Mike demonstrates how maintaining this momentum allows the club to stay in a natural arc, leading to more consistent ball contact and a powerful, controlled swing.

Mike uses Rory McIlroy’s swing as an example to explain the importance of early movements. Rory, like Billy, has struggled with his arms getting too deep, which affects his consistency. Mike tells Billy that if he can focus on getting the first two feet of his backswing right, it will set up the rest of the swing. He shows Billy how to set his wrists and externally rotate his arm early on, so he can load properly and then just turn back and hit the ball with confidence.

As the lesson progresses, Mike draws on his experience as a former pitcher, explaining how incorporating natural athletic instincts can improve the swing. He tells Billy that by using the natural load of his wrists and arms, similar to pitching, he can create forward force and keep his swing in sync. Mike encourages Billy to focus on maintaining that load and smooth movement throughout the backswing and downswing for better control and consistency.

Finally, Mike stresses the importance of arm and club positioning. He explains to Billy that if his arms get too deep too soon, the club will reroute and fall off the intended path. By keeping his arms and club moving away in sync, Billy can prevent the swing from going over the top and losing control. Mike’s adjustments help Billy maintain the right path for the clubhead, ensuring more consistent, powerful shots.

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MIKE MALASKA TEACHING CREDENTIALS
Golf Digest Legend of Golf Instruction
2011 National PGA Teacher of the Year
2021-2022 Golf Magazine Top 100 Teachers in America (Lifetime Achievement)
2020-2021 Golf Digest 50 Best Teachers in America
TaylorMade National Advisory Board Member, 2020-Current
PGA Class-A Member since 1996
Honma US Advisory Board, 2019-2020
Worldwide Director of Instruction at Nicklaus Golf Academies
2017 PGA Southwest Section Teacher of The Year
25 years as a Jack Nicklaus Academies Trainer & Instructor
2017 GRAA Growth of the Game Teaching Professionals Elite Member
TaylorMade National Advisory Board Member, 2015-2018
2016 GRAA Top 50 Growth of the Game Teaching Professionals
Southwest Section Senior Player of the Year
TaylorMade/Adidas Instructional Consultant
Former Director of Instruction at Superstition Mountain Golf & CC,
Superstition Mountain, AZ