Wyndham Clark Golf Swing Drill U.S. Open Leaders Use to Avoid Steep Swings

Quick Tip:

• Use two alignment sticks: one along your target line at your feet and one across your stance to set consistent ball position.
• Tee up every shot during practice to keep your attack angle shallow and avoid steep swings.
• Focus on striking the ball cleanly off the tee to promote a more in-to-out swing path and better contact.

The Mistake: Swinging Too Steep and Cutting Across the Ball

Many amateur golfers struggle with an overly steep attack angle and an out-to-in swing path. This combination often leads to inconsistent contact and slices or pulls. Wyndham Clark, the 36-hole leader at the U.S. Open, has faced this exact challenge. When pressure mounts, he tends to get steep and cut across the ball — a common issue for players at all levels.

Why It Happens: The Biomechanics Behind the Steep Swing

This steepness usually comes from an overactive upper body and a lack of shallow descent into the ball. As a result, the clubface approaches the ball too vertically, causing thin or heavy shots. Many amateurs also struggle with ball position and setup, which contributes to this problem by encouraging an inconsistent swing path.

The Fix: Step-by-Step Setup and Swing Adjustment

Wyndham Clark’s favorite drill, shared in a session with Dylan Dethier on GOLF’s "Warming Up," provides a clear solution:

1. Set two alignment sticks on the ground: Place one parallel to your target line at your feet to ensure correct aim. Put the second stick across your stance, bisecting your feet, to help maintain a consistent ball position.
2. Always tee up during early practice swings: Use a tee even when hitting irons or wedges. This forces you to shallow out your attack angle because the ball sits higher, encouraging you to swing more in-to-out rather than steeply down.
3. Focus on clean contact with the tee: Concentrate on striking the ball squarely off the tee. This feel helps you avoid chopping at the ball and promotes a smoother, shallower attack angle that can carry over to your shots without a tee.

Clark explains, "I tee it up every time for two reasons. For ball position and setup, because I’m always trying to start at neutral. And then the other thing is the tee is huge to make sure I don’t get too steep." This simple setup helps neutralize his usual steep miss and promotes a swing path he wants under tournament pressure.

The Drill: Practice Tee Drill for Shallower Angles

Take this drill to the range today:

• Place two alignment sticks: One along your target line and one across your stance.
• Tee up every ball: Even when practicing short irons, use a tee to elevate the ball slightly.
• Swing with the goal of hitting the ball cleanly off the tee: Avoid hitting the ground first or too steeply; the tee encourages a shallower attack angle.

This drill encourages you to feel the clubhead approach the ball on a more in-to-out path, preventing the common steep, out-to-in swing that causes poor contact. Clark’s example shows how this simple adjustment can lead to better ball striking and confidence during competition.

According to All The Golf, Clark’s precise ball striking through two rounds at Shinnecock Hills has fueled his four-shot lead at the U.S. Open, ranking third in strokes gained: approach and 22nd off the tee. His approach to setup and swing mechanics offers a clear lesson for amateurs aiming to improve.

Why It Matters Now: Translating Tour-Level Fixes to Amateur Golf

This drill isn’t just for pros. Many amateurs wrestle with steep swings and poor contact. By using alignment sticks and teeing up during practice, you create consistent setup habits that address root causes. The tee forces shallower angles, making it easier to replicate on the course.

Wyndham Clark’s success highlights how small mechanical tweaks can translate into big performance gains, even at the highest level. For serious amateurs, adopting this drill can reduce slices, improve contact, and build confidence heading into competitive rounds.

What to Watch Next

Keep an eye on how Clark maintains this swing approach through the weekend at the U.S. Open. His ability to stay shallow and consistent under pressure will be tested further as course conditions tighten. For amateurs, the next step is to track your contact quality and consistency after integrating this drill into practice. For a broader view, explore our coverage of golf tips and game improvement guides.

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