Collin Morikawa’s Golf Swing: Evolution, Mechanics, and Keys to Consistency

From junior flaws to a tour-ready fade, Morikawa’s swing evolved with his body and strengths, focusing on control, balance, and versatility over raw speed or forced positions

Key Points

  • Swing Evolved with Growth: As Colin grew from 8 to 22, changes in posture, strength, and coordination shaped his swing over time.
  • Early Physical Limitations: As a junior, he was hypermobile but lacked core strength, leading to common patterns like side bend and sliding.
  • Fixing Early Flaws: Focused on staying more centered, building strength in the left glute, and improving rotation into the lead hip.
  • Clubface Control Priority: Used half-swings and punch shots to develop control and reduce reliance on hand manipulation.
  • Built Fade Pattern Later: Started shaping fades at 17; preferred the look and feel. Adjusted body mechanics to support it—did not teach bowed wrist, it evolved naturally.
  • Custom Grip and Swing Matchups: Colin’s unique weak left/strong right-hand grip works due to his body matchups and rotation ability.
  • Efficiency Over Effort: Prioritized consistent center-face contact and balance over chasing swing speed.
  • Creativity Emphasized: Trained to hit all shot shapes—low, high, curves—to build versatility under pressure.
  • Body Dictates Swing: Drills and technique adapted to his body type at each age. “Structure governs function.”
  • Continuous Learning: Still evolving and refining, with a holistic view of technical, physical, and mental components of performance.
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