In partnership with
Unlock Stability Like a PGA Tour Pro
When you think of Keegan Bradley, you picture a unique yet incredibly effective swing that has led him to a major championship and a spot as the 2025 Ryder Cup captain. What sets him apart isn’t just his tenacity or precision—his lower body setup and structure during the swing. Let’s break down what makes Keegan’s swing so powerful and stable, and how you can incorporate some of these elements into your practice.
We have a video breaking this down below (it is less than 2 minutes)
SPONSORED CONTENT
Find out why 100K+ engineers read The Code twice a week
Staying behind on tech trends can be a career killer.
But let’s face it, no one has hours to spare every week trying to stay updated.
That’s why over 100,000 engineers at companies like Google, Meta, and Apple read The Code twice a week.
Here’s why it works:
No fluff, just signal – Learn the most important tech news delivered in just two short emails.
Supercharge your skills – Get access to top research papers and resources that give you an edge in the industry.
See the future first – Discover what’s next before it hits the mainstream, so you can lead, not follow.
Keegan Bradley’s Setup: More Knee Flex for Stability
One noticeable difference in Keegan’s setup compared to other PGA Tour players is his knee flex:
• His trail knee bends more than the typical setup, with the knee intersecting slightly in front of the foot—closer to the front side of the foot rather than the ball of the foot.
• This added knee flex provides extra stability in his stance, an important adjustment for Keegan due to his active lower body.
Growing up as a skilled skier, Keegan developed an athletic style that requires more control in his swing. By increasing his knee flex, he gains the stability needed to prevent excess movement during his backswing.
Growing up as a skilled skier, Keegan developed an athletic style that requires more control in his swing. By increasing his knee flex, he gains the stability needed to prevent excess movement during his backswing.
Maintaining Structure in the Backswing
As Keegan takes the club back, his trail knee starts with a 140-degree bend and straightens by only about 11 degrees at the top of his backswing. This minimal change in knee flex helps him:
• Load into his trail leg without losing structure.
• Create a solid foundation that supports his upper body rotation.
This structure allows Keegan to store power efficiently and transition seamlessly into his downswing.
The Downswing: Unleashing Power with Control
Keegan’s strong lower body foundation gives him the ability to fire his hips and unwind into the ball without any instability. His legs remain solid, maintaining their form while his hips generate rotational power. This combination of stability and mobility leads to precise and powerful ball striking—key reasons why Keegan remains competitive at the highest level.
What You Can Learn from Keegan’s Swing
If you have an active lower body or tend to lose balance during your swing, consider trying these adjustments in your practice:
1. Add a bit more knee flex in your setup to create more stability.
2. Focus on maintaining your trail knee position during the backswing—it should stay relatively flexed without locking or straightening too much.
3. Practice drills that help you load into your trail leg while keeping your lower body structured.
Keegan’s approach works for him because he understands his body mechanics and has found a setup that supports his dynamic movement. Finding your unique structure could be a game-changer for your ball striking.
Final Thoughts
Keegan Bradley’s swing may look different from many players on Tour, but it’s a testament to the importance of knowing what works best for you. By finding the right balance between stability and mobility, you can create a swing that helps you hit consistent, powerful shots.
Thanks for reading! I hope this breakdown of Keegan’s setup and swing helps you in your practice. If you enjoyed it, share it with someone who might benefit from these insights. Have questions or ideas for future posts? Let me know—I’d love to hear from you!
About Ralph Bauer
Ralph Bauer has coached on the PGA Tour since 2009. He’s worked at all four majors, the Olympics, and has helped two of his players win major championships. His students have earned over $400 million in PGA Tour earnings. He’s coached on five continents and at every level of the game—and he co-created the Tour Read system to make green reading easier for every golfer. |
