PGA TOUR’s Ironman Setup Secret

Master Your Setup Like Sungjae Im for Better Ball Striking

Sungjae Im, the PGA TOUR’s “Iron Man,” showcases a unique setup and swing sequence that can address a common problem for amateur golfers: improper weight distribution during the swing. By keeping his right heel slightly off the ground during his backswing, Sungjae not only maintains balance but also ensures his club stays on plane, avoiding one of the most frequent errors in amateur golf—yanking the club too far inside.

Let’s break it down and explore how you can apply this to your swing.

The Common Problem: Weight on the Heels

Many golfers set up with their weight distributed too far back on their heels. While this might feel balanced initially, it creates significant issues during the swing:

• Backswing Issues: Weight on the heels often causes the club to be pulled too far inside, leading to an overly flat backswing.

• Downswing Problems: When the weight is already in the heels, it’s natural for the body to continue that pressure pattern, resulting in an over-the-top move or an inconsistent swing plane.

• Loss of Power and Control: Poor weight distribution impacts both your ability to rotate effectively and your ability to generate consistent, crisp contact.

Sungjae Im’s Solution: Weight Towards the Balls of the Feet

Sungjae Im addresses this issue with a slight adjustment to his setup and backswing:

1. Setup with Intent: At address, Sungjae keeps a bit more weight toward the balls of his feet and slightly elevates his right heel. This small adjustment prevents setting up excessively into the heels.

2. Backswing Precision: As Sungjae takes the club back, his right heel remains slightly off the ground. This allows him to keep the club on plane, avoiding the dreaded inside takeaway.

3. Transition Stability: Just before transition, Sungjae gets his heel back down, ensuring stability and setting up for a powerful downswing.

Putting It Into Practice

Here’s how to incorporate Sungjae’s technique into your own game:

1. Start with Setup: At address, position your weight slightly forward, toward the balls of your feet. For an added checkpoint, try lifting your right heel just slightly off the ground to reinforce this feeling.

2. Monitor Your Backswing: Focus on keeping your weight forward early in the backswing. Avoid letting the weight shift too far back into your heels.

3. Check Your Transition: As you begin the downswing, ensure your right heel plants lightly and your weight moves forward into the lead side.

4. Video Feedback: Use your phone and a tripod to record your swing. Watch for signs that your weight is staying forward and that your swing path is on plane.

Lessons from the Pros

Sungjae Im isn’t alone in utilizing this method. Other top players, including two-time Masters champion Bubba Watson and fan-favorite Rickie Fowler, have also worked on weight distribution to improve their swings. Following their lead, you can address one of the most common swing faults and enjoy more consistent ball striking.

Take Your Swing to the Next Level

By paying attention to your weight distribution and experimenting with Sungjae Im’s method, you can hit crisper, cleaner, and more powerful shots. Next time you practice, try keeping your right heel slightly elevated and your weight forward—you might be surprised at how much it improves your swing.

Thanks for reading! I hope this inspires your next practice session. If you found this helpful, share it with a fellow golfer who might enjoy these tips. Have questions or ideas for future topics? Let me know—we’d love to hear from you!