Who Is He?
Retief Goosen has more in common with Ernie Els than just their native South Africa. These multiple major winners both have silky smooth swings and share a similar on course demeanour. Goosen, nicknamed 'The Ice Man' seems to let very little trouble him out on the course and always looks to be playing in his own bubble.
What He Does
In recent years his golf swing has become a lot shorter and easier to control, yet still has the trademark fluidity and smoothness that has made him so successful over the years.
An injury to his left arm whilst skiing in 1999 means that it will no longer straighten through the impact phase. This bent left arm impact position is often a trait of many high handicap golfers but very few better players. Apart from Lee Westwood and Goosen, you will struggle to see any other top players bending their front arm at impact. The issue Goosen has with his left arm is that it often pitches his body weight too far back towards his rear foot during the downswing phase. This often results in scooped or heavily hit golf shots. Goosen works hard to transition his body weight from right to left in order to get the feeling that he is covering the golf ball. This will often result in him playing his best shots.
What Can You Learn?
Striving to get onto your front foot through the impact phase and cover the golf ball would improve most golfers' ability to strike a golf ball, particularly with their irons off a tight lie on the fairway. You could also copy Goosen for his fluidity and for his demeanour around the golf course, anybody nicknamed 'The Ice Man' would be a good role model if you feel that you are a fiery tempered golfer who is too easily flustered.
What Should You Avoid?
Goosen bends his left arm at impact out of necessity not out of choice. If you notice your left arm is bending through the impact phase or into your follow through, you should endeavour to correct this mistake as quickly as possible. If you have a straight left arm at set up and your left arm is straight at impact, your consistency and ability to strike a golf ball cleanly, and regularly, will improve.
