How to replicate Alex Noren’s winning swing

Alex Noren tees off on the 14th hole during day four of the Nedbank Golf Challenge at Gary Player CC

Alex Noren continued the hottest stretch of his career over the weekend as he as he stormed to a six-shot victory at the Nedbank Golf Challenge, bagging his fourth European Tour title in 11 starts.

The Swede continues carded an eagle, eight birdies and a solitary bogey to finish the week on 14 under par as he continues to impress after becoming the first three-time European Tour winner of the year at last month’s British Masters at the Grove.

He moves up to third in the Race to Dubai Rankings presented by Rolex, which are led by Open Champion and Noren’s countryman Henrik Stenson.

The 34-year-old Callaway staffer’s bag is made up of a XR 16 sub zero 8.5 degrees driver, XR 3 fairway wood, Apex 18 degrees hybrid, Apex Pro 16 irons (4-9), Mack Daddy 2 47, 52, 56 and 60 degrees wedges and an Odyssey Works #1 putter. He plays a Callaway Chrome Soft ball.

Chris Ryan, TG Elite Teaching Professional and senior instructor at The PGA National Golf Academy at The Belfry, recently put the Apex Pro 16 irons through their paces and here is what he had to report.

Consistent performance

 “They aren’t the longest irons I’ve hit, but length is much less important at this end of the market. My launch monitor data showed a drop-off of about eight yards between good and poor strikes, meaning I’m able to consistently hit specific areas on greens to open up even tight pin positions.”

Simple looks

“I can’t fault the cosmetics; they’re the height of simplicity. A really clean, unfussy appearance with a trimmed-down top edge. I can see why they are so popular with Callaway’s staff players.”

New leading edge

“If there has been a criticism of Callaway’s previous premium irons, it is that the leading edges have been very flat and straight, which made them difficult to hit from some lies. The Pros have a more cambered sole and this is a big step forward.”

VIDEO REVIEW ALEX NOREN’S DRIVER

Noren has an impressive stats driving average of just over 289 yards and has hit 72% of greens in regulation during 2016 and it a good time to watch and learn from one of the hottest players on tour.

TG elite teaching professional Stuart Dowsett analyses the technique of Noren to see how all golfers can learn from the world number nine’s successful swing.

1. Alex looks fantastic at address. He’s relaxed yet in an athletic position with great lines, particularly his spine angle. The flared left foot is sign that he’s a student of the Mac O’Grady system, which has varying swings for varying clubs and trajectories.

2. You can’t fault the takeaway as he moves into a picture perfect position. As the club reaches parallel to the ground and foot line we can see very little of the shaft and the clubface is vertical. You would see he stays very centred from face on.

3. The club has swung well beyond horizontal at the top. The plusses here are the lack of tension to be able to do this, but he has to work harder to get back to impact. Great when you’re on song but more difficult if the timing is a bit off.

4. The club and arms have dropped behind him somewhat in the transition. There’s no doubt that Alex is going to attack the ball from the inside from this position. This move promotes a draw shot shape, but there is a danger that he could get stuck.

5. You can see the ball starting down the right side of the fairway, which matches the draw moving the ball from right-to-left. The clubhead has remained outside the hands at impact as a natural consequence of that little drop in his downswing.

6. Alex’s swing has slotted back into place nicely after an injury lay-off. A strong finish to his swing sees his arms fold nicely and his chest turned fully and facing well left of target, showing the continued lack of tension.

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