Blog: Stricker rides 'Big 3' for third TOUR win of year

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Steve Stricker is now No. 2 in the official World Golf Ranking.

The playoffs rolled into TPC Boston and a familiar story breaks out with Steve Stricker winning the Deutsche Bank Championship. Stricker birdied the final hole during the Monday finish to hold off the star-studded field for his third PGA TOUR win of the year.

I must admit these playoffs have been very exciting thus far with a barrage of birdies down the stretch first in New York and now in Boston. Like a week ago, we had a handful of the top players playing some great golf during the final round. With the tone set early on Sunday by Tiger Woods carding a 63, the rest of the field followed with some great shot-making resulting in another exciting finish.

This win now moves Stricker atop the FedExCup standings as well into the No. 2 spot in the Official World Golf Rankings. This is as high as Stricker has been in his career as he enjoys not only his biggest win in his career, but some the best golf he has ever played.

What Can We Learn
When looking at the golf swing there are three big components that must be in line to hit a golf ball consistently -- these three components are the clubface, club head and club shaft. Steve Stricker does a great job managing all three of these components to produce a very efficient golf swing.

At the TOUR Academies, we analyze golf swings using video to help understand each component and how they work together. Whether you are an amateur or a professional, it's important to understand if you need to work on one of these three big components to be more consistent. Here are some thoughts when managing these three components in the golf swing to be more efficient like Steve Stricker.

Clubface
Let me begin with the clubface because controlling the clubface in the golf swing is extremely important in hitting a golf ball consistently. The clubface to a large degree is controlled by the grip. The stronger the grip the more the clubface will close where the weaker the grip the more clubface will open. A strong grip is when the V you form with your thumb and first finger points towards the right shoulder (for a right-handed golfer) where a weak grip is where the V points towards your chin. A general rule of thumb is if your ball is curving to the right - turn your grip to the right. Conversely, if your ball is curving to the left - turn your grip to the left. Most of the time a player should have a grip where the V points somewhere between the right ear and right shoulder (for a right handed golfer).

Secondly, the clubface is controlled through the use of the left hand (for a right-handed golfer). The main purpose of the left hand in the golf swing is to align the clubface at impact. Assuming a good grip if the left hand arrives at impact in turned position where the knuckles are facing the sky -- the clubface will be open. Conversely, if the left hand is in a rolled position where the knuckles are facing down to the ground -- the clubface will be closed. Ideally, the back of the left hand should be facing the target at impact to produce a square clubface.

Stricker does a great job managing the clubface. With a very neutral grip and an educated left hand, Stricker keeps the curve of his golf ball to a minimum resulting in very consistent direction.

Club head
The club head is different than that of the clubface. The clubface is the alignment of the front portion of the club head, which will determine the spin, and direction of the golf ball. The club head is important in the golf swing because you must have club head lag in order to compress the golf ball at impact. Club head lag is when the club head trails the grip end all the way to impact and beyond to the low point. This allows the club head to strike down into impact, which is critical to consistent ball striking.

Club head lag is felt through the bend of the right wrist (for a right-handed golfer) as well as what is called the trigger finger. This is the first finger next to the thumb that supports the right hand side of the shaft as well as the weight of the club head. From the top of the swing it is mandatory to maintain the bend of the right wrist with club head lag all the way down to impact and beyond to the low point. If a player looses club head lag on the downswing this is called "club head throwaway "or "casting" and results into poor impact alignments.

Like all PGA TOUR players, Stricker has sufficient lag to produced solid contact. Lag is one of the biggest power sources in the golf swing which allows Stricker to keep his swing shorter and compact while maintaining respectable length.

Club shaft
The goal of the club shaft in the golf swing is to keep the club shaft on plane. The plane in the golf swing is that of an angled plane that begins from the target line and works towards the golfer on an angle. Preferably, a player should keep the club shaft on plane in the back swing, downswing to impact, and all the way to the finish. Here is how you can tell if your club shaft is on plane.

The club shaft at all points in the swing is either parallel to the target line or pointing at the target line. The target line is a straight line from the ball to the target as well infinite in the other direction. At all times in the swing you can determine if the club shaft is on plane.

For example, during the back swing the club shaft should be parallel to the target line when the club shaft is parallel to the ground. At the ¾ position, the club shaft should be pointing to the target line. This is important because if you are on plane during the back swing then it is easier to bring the club shaft down on plane. On the way down the club shaft should once again be parallel to the target line at the delivery position (pre-impact). Impact of course the club shaft is pointing at the target line continuing on to post-impact where the club shaft picks up the target line again feeling the full release of the club head to full finish.

Stricker is a great example of using the plane of the club shaft to perfection. With the club shaft on-plane throughout the swing, he is able to repeat his golf swing from his driver to his incredible wedge play.

Sometimes I think it is easier when you look at things individually. These three big components are so important and must be paid attention to if they are at fault. When controlling the clubface, club head and club shaft you will get a better understanding and appreciation for what your hands, arms and body are doing in the golf swing.

The hands (grip) of course were critical with the performance of the clubface with the left hand sharing most of the responsibility while the right hand manages the lag of the club head. The movement of the arms and body will be felt through the maintenance of the club shaft and its quest to staying on plane during the swing. With proper clubface alignment, club head lag and proper use of the plane with the club shaft - you are well on your way to consistent ball striking like Steve Stricker.

Just Because
Well, week 2 of vacation is here as I continue my journey across the beautiful Pacific Northwest. After some good times in the state of Montana, I am now back where it all started for me in the great state of Idaho. Yes, this is where we grow potatoes and yes, this is the home state of the blue football field at Boise State University. You can only imagine how many times I am asked those questions.

This is also the land of some great golf including the 27th ranked golf course according to Golf Digest -- The Club at Black Rock in Coeur d' Alene. This being one of just many beautiful mountain courses that takes in not only the natural scenery of the state but perfect conditions with bent grass from tee to green.

Another great development in the works is a facility called Galena Ridge located in my home town of Kellogg, Idaho. I actually got to play the three holes that are currently completed and once again you are captured by the great beauty that Northern Idaho has to offer. Taking this scenery for granted growing up, I now truly appreciate just how impressive mountain golf can and will be at this incredible spot.

So as you start to plan those golf getaways, don't forget about the mountains here in Idaho -- great golf, spectacular scenery and yes - a fully-loaded baked potato.