Darren Clarke: Prototype Width Player

In honor of Darren Clarke's win today in the British Open (here), here's some quick swing analysis. From his physique alone (Endomorphic body type), Darren Clarke would be considered the prototypical width player in the LAWs of Golf typology (Leverage, Arc, Width swing types). In the video above (which, unfortunately, is not directly face on), you can see most of the features summarized here. Even though Darren's physique has changed over the years, his swing has (to me) looked fairly consistent and was certainly quite effective this weekend.

One point I want to highlight from the video is Darren's position at the top. This is one problem I had learning the width swing given the verbal descriptions in the LAWs book. The written description talks about "pushing back into the width dimension". The push-set concept created, for me, too flat a swing plane. If you will notice Darren at the top, you can draw a fairly straight line along his left arm directly toward the ball. As the arrow at the top of the line implies, the push-set happens at this point and Darren doesn't really exaggerate the move (his left elbow is still bent).

What is important for me is to have this image of my left arm pointed at the ball when I'm fully turned 90 degrees at the top of my back swing. This gives me the distinct feeling of hitting down on the ball even with the driver (although notice how far forward Darren tees the ball with the driver allowing him to catch the ball fairly level or even a little on the upswing to control ball height which he did very well in the Open). And, hitting down on the ball is considered the "one-and-only" fundamental emphasized by the Stack and Tilt Swing.

The video above is from a golf clinic put on by Darren Clarke and Lee Westwood. They both comment on a number of topics regarding their golf swings.

One other comment that could be made regards Darren Clarke's level of fitness. Even though he jokes about "playing better when he's fat" he does have a fairly intense workout program you can read about on his website (here).