Swing Better with a 10-Year PGA Tour Veterans Practice Technique

Practicing Like Adam Hadwin: Why It Matters

In the world of professional golf, deliberate practice is everything. Today, we’re spotlighting a practice routine demonstrated by Canada’s Mr. 59, Adam Hadwin. His methodical and focused approach to practice is a perfect example of how purposeful rehearsal can lead to consistent, high-quality ball-striking.

We have a video breaking this down below (it is less than 2 minutes)

Why Practicing Like Adam Hadwin Matters

Adam Hadwin’s practice routine emphasizes isolating key positions in the golf swing to ensure precision, balance, and power. By breaking down the swing into specific phases, he reinforces proper mechanics and builds consistency. This approach can help golfers at every level improve their technique, but understanding your unique swing positions is essential to making this routine effective.

Breaking Down Hadwin’s Practice Routine

1. Halfway Back Check

Hadwin begins by stopping halfway back in his swing. This gives him an opportunity to verify that his body and club are in sync, with proper alignment and balance.

2. Full Backswing Check

Once comfortable with his rehearsals, Hadwin progresses to a full backswing, pausing at the top to ensure his mechanics are good. Everything from his spine angle to his clubface position is checked.

3. Halfway Down Check

From the top of his backswing, Hadwin moves into the downswing and pauses halfway down. This checkpoint ensures the clubface is square, and the hands and body are working together to deliver the club.

4. Impact Rehearsal

The highlight of Hadwin’s practice routine is his focus on the impact position. By mirroring the exact position his body and club should be at impact.

5. Full-Speed Execution

After completing his rehearsals, Hadwin transitions to hitting a full-speed shot. This combines the deliberate focus of his practice with the rhythm and flow of a natural swing, finishing with balance and precision.

Key Tips for Your Practice

Before you can implement a practice routine like Adam Hadwin’s, it’s critical to understand the key positions in your own golf swing. This is where guidance from a coach and feedback from video become invaluable. Here’s how to incorporate his approach into your own practice:

1. Work With a Coach: Hadwin knows exactly where he needs to be in each position because he works closely with his coach. If you’re unsure about the correct positions for your swing, a golf coach can help you identify them and provide the guidance you need.

2. Use Video Feedback: One of the best ways to check your positions is by using a video camera. You don’t need fancy equipment—a simple setup with your cell phone and a tripod can provide all the feedback you need.

3. Halfway Back: Pause halfway back in your swing to check alignment and balance. Ensure your club head is on the correct plane and your body is in an athletic position.

4. Full Backswing: At the top of your swing, check for a full coil with your shoulders rotated and a neutral clubface position.

5. Halfway Down: Stop halfway through your downswing to confirm the clubface is square and your body is rotating properly toward the target.

6. Impact Position: Rehearse your ideal impact position. Focus on having the shaft leaning forward (with an iron), weight on your lead side, and hips slightly open. This is the foundation for consistent, powerful ball-striking.

7. Execution: After your rehearsals, hit shots with deliberate focus on balance and smooth rhythm. Let the practice flow into your execution.

Why Video Feedback Matters

Seeing is believing when it comes to improving your swing. Video allows you to compare your positions to what you’re working toward and helps you spot areas for improvement. With the guidance of your coach and regular video feedback, you can refine your swing and make meaningful progress over time.

Try It Out for Yourself

Next time you’re at the range, take a page from Adam Hadwin’s book. Work with your coach to understand your key swing positions, use video to track your progress, and practice with purpose. Break your swing into key checkpoints, rehearse your positions, and refine your impact for better ball-striking and consistency.

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—I’d love to hear from you!