Rickie Fowler Golf Swing Analysis

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Rickie Fowler
(Image credit: Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)

In his Rickie Fowler Golf Swing Analysis, GM Top 25 Coach Barney Puttick offers an interesting insight into the significant improvements that have made Rickie a major champion in waiting

Previously Rickie had to rely greatly on timing and his exceptional hand eye coordination, the movement now however is easier to repeat under pressure, whilst still retaining his Cavalier style of golf which is so exciting to watch.

In the address he is slightly taller than before, and the first move into the backswing is now very orthodox, with the club spot on plane. He had a noticeable drag of the club to the inside and then would require a compensating move to get back on the correct swing path. By simplifying the move, he should be on plane more consistently.

Rickie is clearly a very supple man, and I love this coiled position at the top of his backswing with the shoulders fully turned. As he begins the journey back to the ball we see the other big change as the club is now more on plane here too. Previously the club could on occasions get stuck behind him on the way down which lead to a few blocked and hooked shots.

Now he looks to fade the ball which helps to widen the through swing, and is giving his shots less shape, as  the club is working for longer on the target line through impact.

Read more top golf swing tips

At five foot 9 inches and under 11 stone, Rickie Fowler is proof that you don’t have to be huge to hit the ball a long way and with his driver he regularly generates 115 mph swing speed. Blessed with a terrific temperament for golf and a stylish persona, Rickie Fowler is a breath of fresh air for golf and I would look for him to convert those near misses in the majors into wins sooner rather than later.

 

Neil Tappin
Neil Tappin
Editor

In July 2023, Neil became just the 9th editor in Golf Monthly's 112-year history. Originally working with the best coaches in the UK to produce instruction content, he went on to become a feature writer interviewing many of the biggest names in the game including Tiger Woods, Seve Ballesteros, Rory McIlroy and Arnold Palmer.

A 5-handicap golfer, Neil is a club member who takes a keen interest in the health of the game at grassroots level. You’ll often now find him writing about club-related issues such as WHS, membership retention and how best to bridge the gap between the range and the course.