WATCH: Tony Finau takes divot out of concrete cart path!
Tony Finau’s Power Secrets: Maximizing Distance with a Wider Swing Arc During the TOUR Championship at East Lake Golf Club, Tony Finau found himself in an unusual situation—playing from the cart path. Despite the unconventional lie, he made solid contact with the ball, and what really caught the attention of fans was the small divot…
Tony Finau’s Power Secrets: Maximizing Distance with a Wider Swing Arc
During the TOUR Championship at East Lake Golf Club, Tony Finau found himself in an unusual situation—playing from the cart path. Despite the unconventional lie, he made solid contact with the ball, and what really caught the attention of fans was the small divot he took out of the path. Known for his effortless power and one of the most admired swings on the PGA Tour, Finau’s performance in this scenario was a reminder of his exceptional ability.
Finau is recognized as one of the longest hitters in golf. His average ball speed consistently ranks among the top ten on the PGA Tour, and he’s also in the top 25 for driving distance. Remarkably, Finau achieves these feats without ever fully unleashing his arms in competition. When he does decide to give it his all, his ball speed can easily exceed 200 mph, showcasing the immense power in his game.
Given his expertise, Finau is often asked for advice on how the average golfer can increase their own swing speed and driving distance. His answer is simple yet profound: it’s all about creating a wider swing arc.
“The bigger you can make your arc, the farther the golf ball is gonna go,” Finau explains. “For amateurs, envisioning a wide takeaway and focusing on moving the club as far away from the ball as possible will help you generate the maximum speed your body can produce.”
The concept of a wider swing arc is key to increasing distance. When the clubhead travels a greater distance, it has more time to accelerate as it approaches the ball. Additionally, a wider arc can help reduce the angle of attack, which is beneficial for those struggling with a slice.
Finau emphasizes the importance of lag on the downswing, which naturally occurs when the swing arc is widened. “Getting that club as far as you can from the golf ball on the backswing ensures you’ll have some lag on the downswing,” he says. “This wider arc is ultimately how you’ll create speed.”
But how do you achieve this wider arc? According to Finau, it all starts with the takeaway. As you begin your backswing, imagine moving the club as far away from your body as possible. This mental image will help you naturally create the width needed for a powerful, efficient swing.
In summary, if you’re looking to add distance to your drives, take a page from Tony Finau’s playbook. Focus on widening your swing arc, starting with a strong takeaway. By doing so, you’ll be able to unlock more speed and power in your swing, bringing your game closer to that of one of the PGA Tour’s most formidable hitters.
