One crucial aspect of the game of golf is your swing. Luckily, there is no one size fits all swing for the perfect swing. Golfers can employ a variety of techniques to achieve optimal distance and accuracy to master the game.
Among the many debated aspects of golf swings, the “picker” and “digger” methods have garnered significant attention.
In the article below, we dive into the differences between picker and digger golf swings. We explore their mechanics, advantages, and drawbacks, ultimately shedding light on which approach may be more suitable for individual golfers. We have a lot to cover so let’s get started!
Picker Swing Advantages & Drawbacks
The picker swing technique, as the name suggests, involves picking the golf ball off the turf with a shallow contact.
Golfers utilizing this technique tend to have a shallower angle of attack. This allows the clubhead to sweep across the ball cleanly.
The picker swing relies on precise timing, finesse, and exceptional hand-eye coordination to strike the ball accurately.
Picker Advantages
Enhanced accuracy: The picker technique emphasizes a clean, crisp strike on the ball, reducing the chances of divots or mishits. This often results in greater accuracy, particularly on tight fairways and approaches to the green.
Reduced risk of fat shots: By maintaining a shallower angle of attack, pickers can avoid digging the clubhead into the turf excessively, minimizing the risk of hitting the ground before making contact with the ball.
Picker Drawbacks
Limited power potential: The shallower angle of attack in the picker swing technique sacrifices some power and distance. Golfers may struggle to generate enough clubhead speed, impacting their ability to achieve longer shots.
Challenging in certain conditions: The picker swing may not be ideal for certain lies, such as deep rough or fluffy lies in bunkers. Without the ability to dig into the turf, pickers may encounter difficulty extracting the ball from challenging situations.
What Causes A Picker Swing?
The picker swing technique is often a result of a golfer’s natural swing tendencies, body mechanics, and sometimes specific training or instruction. There are a few factors that can contribute to a golfer adopting a picker swing:
Body Mechanics: Some golfers naturally have a shallower angle of attack due to their body type, flexibility, or biomechanics. These golfers may find it more comfortable to sweep the ball off the turf rather than take a divot.
Hand-Eye Coordination: Golfers with exceptional hand-eye coordination may naturally gravitate towards a picker swing. They are adept at timing the swing to make precise contact with the ball without digging into the ground excessively.
Instruction and Training: Golfers may be taught or trained in a picker swing technique by their coaches or instructors. This could be a deliberate choice based on the golfer’s strengths or playing style, or it could be a result of the coach’s preferred teaching method.
Course Conditions: Golfers who frequently play on courses with tight fairways or firm turf may develop a picker swing to achieve better accuracy and control. The shallower angle of attack reduces the risk of hitting the ground before the ball, making it easier to navigate challenging lies.
Equipment Preferences: Some golfers may adopt a picker swing due to their equipment preferences. For example, players who prefer fairway woods or hybrid clubs, which are designed to sweep the ball off the turf, may naturally develop a picker swing to optimize their performance with those clubs.
Digger Swing Advantages & Drawbacks
The digger swing technique, in contrast to the picker, involves a steeper angle of attack. This leads to the clubhead digging into the turf before striking the ball.
Diggers rely on a more forceful impact, leveraging the ground to generate power and distance. This technique requires a precise understanding of timing, weight transfer, and proper release of the club.
Digger Advantages
Increased power potential: The digger technique allows golfers to maximize the energy transfer from the ground to the ball, resulting in greater distance potential. The steeper angle of attack enables golfers to compress the ball effectively and create a higher launch angle.
Versatility on different lies: Diggers often fare well on courses with softer turf or deep rough, as they can effectively dig into the ground and still strike the ball cleanly. This versatility can be advantageous when facing challenging course conditions.
Digger Drawbacks
Higher risk of mishits: The digger swing technique demands precise timing and execution. Failing to strike the ball cleanly may lead to fat shots or excessive divots, reducing accuracy and consistency.
Challenges on tight fairways: The steeper angle of attack in the digger swing can be problematic on tight fairways or firm lies. Golfers may struggle to maintain control and accuracy when the ground is less forgiving.
Like the picker swing, the digger swing technique can result from a variety of factors, including a golfer’s innate tendencies, body mechanics, and specific training.
The following are some common circumstances that can lead to a golfer adopting a digger swing:
What Causes A Digger Swing?
Body Type and Mechanics: Golfers with a steeper angle of attack often have a more downward and aggressive swing motion. Factors such as body structure, swing plane, and weight distribution can influence the angle of attack. Golfers with a more upright swing or those who naturally shift their weight forward during the downswing may be inclined to adopt a digger swing.
Power and Distance Focus: Golfers who prioritize power and distance in their game may gravitate towards a digger swing. The steeper angle of attack allows them to take advantage of the ground’s resistance, generating more force and compression on the ball for increased distance.
Instruction and Coaching: Golfers may be taught to use a digger swing technique by their instructors. This instruction could stem from a belief that a steeper angle of attack promotes better ball compression and power. Coaches may also encourage a digger swing for players who struggle with generating enough distance or who regularly play on softer turf conditions.
Course Conditions: Golfers who frequently play on courses with softer turf, deep rough, or fluffy lies may naturally adopt a digger swing. The steeper angle of attack allows them to better navigate these conditions by digging into the ground, extracting the ball cleanly, and maintaining control.
Equipment Preferences: Golfers who prefer irons or wedges may find that a digger swing complements their club choices. These clubs typically require a steeper angle of attack to effectively strike the ball and generate the desired ball flight and spin.
It’s important to note that the digger swing, just like the picker swing, is not inherently superior or inferior.
Each swing technique has its advantages and drawbacks, and golfers should choose the swing that aligns with their abilities, goals, and playing style.
Final Thoughts
The picker and digger swing techniques in golf offer different approaches to striking the ball.
The picker swing emphasizes accuracy and reduced risk of fat shots, while the digger swing focuses on power and versatility on different lies.
Golfers should consider their body mechanics, training, and personal goals when choosing a swing technique.
Ultimately, consistent and effective ball striking, along with control and accuracy, should be the primary focus when determining the most suitable swing technique.
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