This video from Titleist is a few years old, but with the way Sahith Theegala has shown what he’s capable of on the PGA Tour, it’s worth going back and taking a closer look at what he’s doing that works.
None of them are complicated. It’s a simple approach and one that most players can benefit from.
1. He plays his shot and builds his targets around him
Theegala is not trying to shape the ball either way depending on the hole. He is committed to a fade and has built his strategy around it.
He starts with what the ball usually does and then chooses a target that allows for that movement.
For most golfers, this is frowned upon. They aim first and then try to force a shape. Forcing a shape can lead to bigger errors.
If you draw the ball naturally, the key is not to learn a fade in the middle of your round. It’s starting to pick targets that allow your draw to end in a good place.
2. He changes the flight of the ball with the putt, not the swing
When Theegala needs a different stroke shape, the change happens before the swing.
He describes it as primarily configuration-driven. He will make small adjustments and then swing the same way.
There is no attempt to manipulate the club once the rhythm starts.
This is what makes it repeatable.
Many golfers try to shape the ball during the swing. This becomes a matter of time. The setup for photography initially keeps things simple and consistent.
Read more: How to shape your iron without overhauling your swing
3. He thinks about the next shot, not the perfect one
From 225 to 275 yards, Theegala admits how difficult it is to hit the ball exactly where you aim.
Instead of forcing a great shot, he focuses on what comes next.
- Where is the easiest place to get up and down?
- Where is the missi that creates the most trouble?
Once they are clear, the decision becomes straightforward.
While 225 to 275 yards may be difficult for professionals, amateur players may find that the 175-yard mark is where things get unpredictable. Find your weak point and then make sure you’re thinking about more than just the shot you’re hitting.
Final thoughts
There is nothing complicated about what Theegala is doing. He’s certainly not the only pro golfer to do this, but sometimes we all need a reminder of the smartest way to play golf.
