What makes the perfect golf swing? It’s a question that sparks endless debates among players and fans alike. But here’s where it gets fascinating: even the pros can’t agree on a single answer. Earlier this summer, Sports Illustrated asked PGA Tour players to weigh in on the best swing in golf, and their responses were as varied as they were insightful. From elegance to power, consistency to sheer athleticism, the criteria for a ‘great’ swing seem to differ wildly. Let’s dive into what some of the top players had to say—and trust us, it’s not just about who can hit the ball farthest.
Scottie Scheffler emerged as a favorite, with Tommy Fleetwood praising his swing as ‘pretty cool’ and noting that it’s ‘paid off for him.’ Aaron Baddeley took it a step further, pointing out that Scheffler’s consistency sets him apart: ‘If you look at the numbers, it has to be Scottie. The impressive thing is he does it all the time, others only do it every now and then.’ But here’s where it gets controversial: is consistency the ultimate measure of a great swing, or is there room for flair and unpredictability?
Adam Scott received multiple nods for his ‘elegant’ and ‘smooth’ swing, with Matt Kuchar and Taylor Pendrith both highlighting its grace. Davis Riley echoed the sentiment, calling it ‘smooth.’ But is elegance enough to dominate the course? Jordan Spieth and Brice Garnett seemed to think power matters more, both praising Ludvig Åberg as a ‘powerful driver.’ This raises a thought-provoking question: Can a swing be both beautiful and brutal, or do you have to choose one over the other?
Charley Hoffman took a humorous yet relatable approach, saying, ‘Anybody who is young and their body moves good, unlike me.’ It’s a reminder that not all swings are created equal—and that’s okay. Meanwhile, Zach Johnson threw his hat in the ring for Justin Rose and Rory McIlroy, calling their swings ‘classic.’ Davis Love III went old-school, citing Greg Norman as having a ‘classic and powerful swing.’ And Akshay Bhatia kept it simple with a nod to Scheffler: ‘Scottie is not bad.’
And this is the part most people miss: The ‘best’ swing isn’t just about aesthetics or power—it’s about what works for the player. But here’s a question to ponder: If you could adopt any pro’s swing, whose would it be, and why? Is it Scheffler’s reliability, Scott’s elegance, or Åberg’s raw power? Let us know in the comments—we’re curious to hear your take!
