Golf instruction is always evolving, but the best tips stand the test of time. In GOLF.com’s new series, Lifetime Tips, we’re highlighting some of the greatest advice that teachers and players have shared in the pages of GOLF Magazine. Today we look at an article breaking down Fred Couples’ smooth – and powerful – swing from our October 1991 issue.
Couples Fred it’s brilliant – and he’s got the pace to match it. Its slow back-and-forth action has long been the standard for aspirational tempo. But don’t mistake its leisurely pace for a lack of power. In his prime, Boom Boom was one of the tallest forwards in the game.
Maybe that’s why his swing has wowed so many golfers over the years. With the perfect blend of lean and explosivenessthere are few moves that can match those of Couples.
Back to a 1991 issue of GOLF magazineteaching editor Dick Harmon revealed the secrets of the Couples swing—and explained how such a smooth swing could generate so much power. See below.
The Secrets of Swinging Couples
Everyone knows Fred Couples hits the ball a mile. They just aren’t sure how. How can someone who looks like he’s swinging hit the ball so far? Television presenters, desperate for an explanation, have even been heard to say that it must be a double.
Trust me when I say it’s not true. I’ve been working with Couples since he joined the Tour in 1981. He gets his incredible distance from a great shoulder turn, perfect footwork and a syrupy pace that makes it all look easy.
It’s a package that has most amateurs scratching their heads. They try to swing slowly like Couples, but are so concerned about hitting the ball hard that they fail to complete the shoulder turn and push the club down with their hands. This is no way to generate club speed. You have to have patience to hit the ball far. “Boom Boom” never tries to kill the ball like the average amateur does. He just takes a big, easy turn, spinning as much as he can, then lets his body come down hard on the ball. It looks like he’s swinging lightly because his arms and hands are relaxed, but this swinging action unleashes speeds of more than 120 mph with one driver.
However, be careful: Don’t try to “copy” Fred’s speed in the club. He’s not a double, but he’s talented, and the chances of an amateur replicating his great shoulder turn are slim.
However, you can add yardage to your drives by mimicking Couples’ power-packed baselines.
Start with the address. From a balanced and comfortable stance, lean slightly toward the ball so that your arms can move freely. Stabilize yourself with your feet, then focus on getting away from the ball. No matter how flexible or inflexible you are, it’s your turn to be the power producer. So make it as big as you can. Then stay balanced and relax. Do not try to “hit” the ball. You have to trust your turn to produce distance and let your arms and club follow instead of forcing it. So does Boom Boom, and so should you.
See below for a detailed look at all the key positions in the pairs movement.
GOLF magazine
1. Address
Fred’s athletic build prepares him to hit the ball long. His feet are slightly wider than shoulder width apart for stability and his knees are bent. He stands about an inch further from the ball than normal, so he can extend his arms and make a big turn.
2. Takeaway
Although he is a tall striker, Boom Boom’s natural ball flight is a fade, so his first off the ball is noticeably off the target line. At this moment, he has not turned his shoulders much even though he has started to shift his weight to the right side.
3. Three quarters
Most amateurs would have ended the comeback at this point, but not Fred. His ankles are fully flexed and his shoulders are turned 90 degrees—an ideal position for his iron shots—but for the driver, he strives for an even greater turn.
4. Ball
Most amateurs would have ended the comeback at this point, but not Fred. His ankles are fully flexed and his shoulders are turned 90 degrees—an ideal position for his iron shots—but for the driver, he strives for an even greater turn.
GOLF magazine
5. The beginning of the fall
As he begins the downswing, Couples pushes off with his right leg to shift his weight back to his left side and clear his hips while his back is facing the target in a “twisted” position. The right elbow has dropped toward the right thigh, an ideal motion for any swing.
6. Discount
Check out this power move! The couple’s left leg remains bent and strong as it supports the shift of his weight. His upper body is unfurling as his hands and arms remain free, releasing the club from the inside and producing an extreme cock of the joints.
7. Influence
The moment of truth. The couple’s powerful footwork doesn’t get him in front of the ball. His weight has shifted smoothly to his left side and his hips are clearing nicely. His head is behind the ball and his arms are extended in a powerful striking position.
8. Subsequent
The couples spine angle remains constant throughout the swing, one reason why it appears smooth and necessary for consistent square contact. As he lays forward, the club points slightly to the left of the target, consistent with his desire to play the fade.
;)
;)
