Table of Contents
Are you searching for the perfect golf swing that yields power and consistency? Is the quest for perfection draining your body, mind, and bank account? Then you’ll want to take-in these expert tips on the Annika Sorenstam golf swing.
Truth be told, we all would love to have the perfect-looking swing, but history has proven that imperfection can achieve perfection. Imagine if you did not have to worry about factors such as keeping your eye on the ball or staying on plane throughout your swing. Well, if the GOAT of LPGA players accomplished ten major championships and 72 LPGA wins with an imperfect swing, it’s safe to say there’s hope for you!
If you haven’t read my previous article on how to get more power in your golf swing, I highly recommend adding it to your list next. So let’s begin with a breakdown of the Annika Sorenstam golf swing.
⛳️ Related: Why Can’t I Hit My Golf Driver? Expert Answer Revealed
Annika Sorenstam Golf Swing Analysis
At first sight, Annika Sorenstam’s swing seems powerful and without fault. However, there are several commonly violated instructional rules within her swing.
Next, I am going to dissect Annika’s imperfections so you might be able to compare your flaws and build self-confidence on the course. I also have included golf practice at home videos so you can visually see what I mean. Your golf swing is a one-of-a-kind; embrace it and increase your potential.
Annika’s Golf Swing Tempo
Starting with her stance, Annika addresses the ball with an athletic position that supports her rhythm. As she initiates her golf swing, you will notice that her tempo is noticeably faster than most players. In fact, this acceleration controls the power of her movements and timing. When asked about her tempo, Annika likes to use a 1-2-3 (seconds) approach from the time she first initiates movement up to the top of her backswing and then starts the downswing to completion in another 1-2-3 (seconds).
Without a strong, defensive golf stance, she may not be capable of sustaining proper balance as the swing speed increases. This 1-2-3 approach also helped her maintain consistent grip pressure with all her clubs.
Golf Swing Takeaway
Most amateur golfers that struggle with hitting a slice have heard the term “flatten out your swing”. Unfortunately, this concept is applied to the takeaway far too often. If we track the path that Annika travels, many experts would use the term upright. In one of my previous articles on the Fred Couples golf swing, I covered what an upright, on plane or flat takeaway looks like and how it directly relates to the downswing path.
One of my favorite golf swing tips to help players stop swinging over the top is addressing how their trail arm bends in the backswing. If you struggle with taking the club away on an inside path, reducing the amount of bend in the trail elbow should encourage a more on plane path. Doing this will provide you with the ability to control your downswing transition. I will demonstrate this tip in the video below.
Position in the Backswing
One of the golden rules of golf is to stop the golf club at the top of your backswing when the shaft is parallel to the ground. In most cases, this statement holds true. In fact, Annika takes the top of the backswing position to the next level by allowing her clubface to be very open. This is where Annika sets herself aside from the norms of most instructors. Swinging past a parallel position to the ground with a wide-open clubface will produce a slice for most golfers. Fortunately, she utilizes her impeccable timing to release the club in a manner that produces a powerful draw.
Downswing & Avoiding Over The Top Swing
Once the downswing transition starts to take place, the path of the hands dictates how the club attacks the ball. Most amateur golfers tend to push their hands outwardly towards the ball. As a result, they swing over the top which lacks power.
This over-the-top move is one of the largest contributing factors that decreases swing speed. Although Annika Sorenstam’s golf swing is upright in the backswing, she does an excellent job of swinging on plane in the downswing.
Unlike many professional players, Annika Sorenstam opens her shoulder line quite early in the downswing. In most cases, if a player were to turn their right shoulder forward in the downswing, the swing plane would become more upright. As a result of her shoulder line rotation, her spine and head rotate left prior to impact. This free movement of her shoulders, head, and spine facilitates an immensely powerful impact position.
Golf Impact Point & Compression Line
The impact is the absolute decisive moment in your golf swing. If you were to place PGA Tour players side by side and freeze them at the moment of impact, you would notice a stark similarity.
When comparing the pro golfers iron swing, the hands are located forward of the ball just prior to impact. You will also notice the hips open position, which permits dynamic weight transfer that directly affects club head speed. In this video below, I will cover what a compression line looks like with an iron and a driver:
Key Fundamentals to the Finish
If there is one factor of Annika Sorenstam’s golf swing that I encourage my students to emulate is the finish. Key swing fundamentals such as weight transfer, balance, and posture are critical for consistency. Have you ever taken a swing and everything was perfect? If so, then your finish was most likely balanced. Annika’s approach to swinging every club with the same amount of effort helped encourage her control around the course.
Far too often, players try to swing harder with certain clubs than others. For example, a player may be accurate with their irons but struggle when it comes to fairway woods. If the setup is correct, your swing should be your swing. Forcing a faster club head speed is only going to lessen your hand-eye coordination skills.
Expert Tips for a More Consistent Golf Swing Like Annika
- Ensure proper balance throughout your swing by establishing a solid stance.
- Swing the golf club on plane in the takeaway.
- Maintain a straight lead arm at the top of the backswing to extend the width of your arc.
- Allow the wrists to naturally hinge at the top.
- Initiate your downswing with your lower body.
- Finish with a balanced position.
I would like to leave you with a few words from the golf legend herself. Annika Sorenstam recently spoke to a group of South Florida golfers proving a few golf inspirational tips:
“I think a lot of people just have so many thoughts and try to complicate things and you really want to do well, and it could be stressful sometimes to go out there and just enjoy it with just a few pointers, but it’s fun to share some stories and some of you know, my knowledge about the game.”
– Annika Sorenstam Quote
Final Thoughts on Annika Sörenstam Golf Swing
In summary, perfecting the golf swing is a logical approach, but allowing and accepting imperfections like the Annika Sorenstam golf swing might just be your ticket to success.
At the end of the round, there are not any pictures of your strokes. Push aside what is visually not pleasing and trust your instincts on the course. Practice is the time to think and rehearse your motions, not playing time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some fun facts about Annika Sorenstam?
– Began golfing at age 12
– Average driving distance: 230 yards
– Winner of 10 women’s majors and 72 LPGA Tour Titles
– Member at Augusta National Golf Club
– The Annika, formerly the Pelican Women’s Championship is the first LPGA event to be named after a former player.
