The takeaway is a critical part of the golf swing, and many top golfers have mastered the inside takeaway. This move involves bringing the clubhead inside the target line during the early stages of the backswing, setting the stage for a powerful and accurate shot. In this article, we’ll explore some of the pro golfers who have perfected the inside takeaway and offer tips for how you can incorporate this move into your own game.
What is the Inside Takeaway?
Before we dive into the pro golfers who use the inside takeaway, let’s take a closer look at this move. The inside takeaway involves bringing the clubhead inside the target line during the first few inches of the backswing. This move can help to promote a more shallow swing plane and reduce the likelihood of an over-the-top move on the downswing. It can also help golfers to generate more power by creating a wider arc in the backswing.
Pro Golfers with the Inside Takeaway
Here are just a few of the pro golfers who are known for their inside takeaway:
- Justin Thomas – Thomas is known for his powerful swing, and his inside takeaway is a key part of his technique. He uses a slightly closed stance to help promote the inside takeaway, and his downswing is lightning-quick, allowing him to generate plenty of speed through impact.
- Tiger Woods – Woods is widely regarded as one of the greatest golfers of all time, and his inside takeaway is a big reason for his success. He uses a slightly bowed wrist at the top of his swing to help him deliver the clubhead to the ball with a square face.
- Phil Mickelson – Mickelson is another golfer who has perfected the inside takeaway. He uses a strong grip and a wide stance to help promote the move, and his swing features plenty of wrist hinge to generate power and accuracy.
Tips for Mastering the Inside Takeaway
If you’re looking to incorporate the inside takeaway into your own game, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Start with a strong grip – a stronger grip can help promote the inside takeaway by allowing your wrists to hinge more easily.
- Use a slightly closed stance – a slightly closed stance can help you start the clubhead on an inside path.
- Practice with a mirror – practicing in front of a mirror can help you see if you’re getting the clubhead on the right path during the takeaway.
- Keep your left arm straight – keeping your left arm straight during the takeaway can help you maintain a wide arc and promote the inside takeaway.
Benefits of the Inside Takeaway
One of the primary benefits of the inside takeaway is that it can help to promote a more shallow swing plane. When you bring the clubhead inside the target line during the early stages of the backswing, it can help to prevent an over-the-top move on the downswing, which is a common cause of slices and other errant shots.
Another benefit of the inside takeaway is that it can help golfers generate more power. By starting the clubhead on an inside path, you can create a wider arc in the backswing, which can help you generate more clubhead speed and distance.
Tips for Incorporating the Inside Takeaway
Here are a few more tips to help you incorporate the inside takeaway into your own golf swing:
- Practice with a tee – placing a tee just outside the ball can help you visualize the target line and make it easier to bring the clubhead inside during the takeaway.
- Use your body – the inside takeaway should be initiated by your body, not your hands. Focus on turning your shoulders and hips to start the backswing, rather than just moving your hands and arms.
- Relax your grip – a tight grip can make it difficult to hinge your wrists and promote the inside takeaway. Try to keep your grip pressure light and relaxed throughout the swing.
- Maintain your spine angle – it’s important to maintain your spine angle throughout the swing to promote a consistent, repeatable swing path. Avoid the temptation to lift up or dip down during the backswing.
Driving Distance Leaders
| Player Name | Nationality | PGA Tour Wins | Average Driving Distance (yards) | Inside Takeaway? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bryson DeChambeau | USA | 8 | 322.1 | Yes |
| Cameron Champ | USA | 2 | 316.7 | Yes |
| Rory McIlroy | Northern Ireland | 20 | 316.2 | Yes |
| Dustin Johnson | USA | 24 | 312.1 | Yes |
| Tony Finau | USA | 1 | 310.9 | Yes |
| Jon Rahm | Spain | 7 | 309.1 | Yes |
| Jason Kokrak | USA | 2 | 307.5 | Yes |
| Bubba Watson | USA | 12 | 306.7 | Yes |
| Phil Mickelson | USA | 45 | 306.1 | Yes |
| Brooks Koepka | USA | 8 | 305.8 | Yes |
Fairways Hit Leaders
| Player Name | Nationality | PGA Tour Wins | Driving Accuracy Percentage | Inside Takeaway? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jim Furyk | USA | 17 | 71.8% | Yes |
| Chez Reavie | USA | 1 | 71.7% | Yes |
| Henrik Stenson | Sweden | 6 | 69.9% | Yes |
| Brian Gay | USA | 5 | 69.4% | Yes |
| Ryan Armour | USA | 1 | 68.9% | Yes |
| Scott Piercy | USA | 4 | 68.5% | Yes |
| Luke Donald | England | 5 | 68.5% | Yes |
| Matt Kuchar | USA | 9 | 68.5% | Yes |
| Zac Blair | USA | 0 | 68.2% | Yes |
| Andrew Putnam | USA | 1 | 68.0% | Yes |
Greens in Regulation Leaders
| Player Name | Nationality | PGA Tour Wins | Greens in Regulation Percentage | Inside Takeaway? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Henrik Stenson | Sweden | 6 | 74.9% | Yes |
| Justin Thomas | USA | 14 | 72.3% | Yes |
| Emiliano Grillo | Argentina | 1 | 72.0% | Yes |
| Matt Kuchar | USA | 9 | 71.6% | Yes |
| Tiger Woods | USA | 82 | 68.5% | Yes |
| Xander Schauffele | USA | 6 | 68.5% | Yes |
| Adam Scott | Australia | 14 | 68.4% | Yes |
| Marc Leishman | Australia | 5 | 68.3% | Yes |
| Dustin Johnson | USA | 24 | 68.1% | Yes |
| Patrick Cantlay | USA | 4 | 67.9% | Yes |
Final Thoughts
The inside takeaway is a powerful move that can help golfers of all skill levels generate more power and accuracy on their shots. By studying the techniques of pro golfers who use the inside takeaway, and incorporating some of their tips into your own game, you can master this move and take your golf game to the next level. Remember to practice regularly and be patient – it may take some time to develop a consistent, repeatable swing path, but the results will be well worth the effort.
