It is nothing short of an incredible achievement to win the Masters twice. That is exactly what Bubba Watson has done, taking home two green jackets in a span of just three years. Even with that impressive accomplishment on his resume, the average golf fan still probably associates Bubba with hitting long drives before anything else. Ever since arriving on Tour, Bubba Watson’s swing speed and incredible power has really turned heads. Watson doesn’t play like anyone else on Tour, and it wouldn’t necessarily be a good idea for the average golfer to try and copy his technique. It is all his own, and that is one thing that can make it so amazing to watch.
It isn’t a surprise to see Bubba leading the way in the club head speed statistical category on the PGA Tour so far in 2014. Bubba is at the top of the list with an incredible average of 124.11 MPH off the tee, and a top recorded speed of 125.78 MPH. That kind of power is simply hard to imagine for most amateur golfers, and even most players on Tour are presently unable to create that kind of speed with their fastest swing.
Maybe even more incredible than Bubba leading the way in 2014, is just how long he has been bringing his prodigious power to the golf course. Back in 2007, the Bubba Watson Swing Speed was second to the one of Tiger Woods. In fact, for every season since then, Bubba Watson’s swing speed was first or second in this category. No matter how you look at it, Bubba is one of the very longest hitters in the game, and he has been able to use that power, along with many other talents, to take home two major victories.
So what is it about Bubba Watson swing? What helps Bubba to generate so much power through the hitting zone? While it isn’t necessarily a good idea to try and copy every aspect of his swing, it can be beneficial to think about what it is that he does well and how it can be applied to your own game.
The following three elements of Bubba’s swing might be worth considering –
- Long backswing. Most people don’t possess the eye-hand coordination and flexibility to pull off a swing as long as Bubba’s. However, you might be able to make your backswing a little bit longer and reap some benefit – as long as you don’t get out of control. Bubba has a very long backswing, but is able to still deliver the club head back to the ball time and time again. Experiment with a slightly longer backswing on the driving range, but understand that it can’t come at the expense of being able to hit the ball solidly.
- Aggressive lower body. Bubba’s lower body moves so aggressively through the hitting zone that his feet are often moving around on the ground. This isn’t necessarily good footwork, but you can learn from how much he uses his legs in the swing. The amount of leg drive he has has resemblance to the legendary long hitter Mike Austin.
- Freedom. Bubba makes seemingly fearless swings off the tee and trusts his body to do the job. Many regular golfers are so afraid of where their ball is going to go that they don’t relax and swing the club with confidence. Even if you aren’t a great golfer, you need to play with confidence and belief in yourself if you are going to play your best game.
Copying the Bubba Watson swing in it’s entirety is an effort that most people probably shouldn’t bother making. He has natural talent which is off the charts, in addition to having worked hard at his game for many years. With that said, the approach and confidence that Watson brings to the course is worth paying attention to, and you may be able a bit of distance to your drives simply by swinging with the same abandon and confidence that has taken Bubba to the top of the golf world on more than one occasion.
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