You’re not Jon Rahm. But maybe that’s a good thing.
Because here’s the deal: Rahm’s swing wasn’t born out of some revolutionary biomechanics theory or elite coaching access. It came from necessity — a physical limitation that forced him to swing differently. And somehow? That “different” became one of the most efficient, powerful, and consistent moves on the PGA Tour.
So if you’re an amateur golfer with creaky joints, a bad back, or just…you know, human anatomy that doesn’t quite match a Tour pro’s, Rahm might be the perfect blueprint. Not for copying move-for-move — but for learning how to work with your body instead of against it.
Let’s break it down.
Why Rahm Swings Like That (And Why You Might Want To)
Jon Rahm was born with a clubfoot. His right leg is shorter than his left, and his right ankle has limited mobility. That’s why his swing looks so compact — because a full turn just isn’t in the cards for him.
“I didn’t take a full swing because my right ankle doesn’t have the mobility or stability to take it,” Rahm once explained. “So I learned at a very young age that I’m going to be more efficient at creating power and be consistent from a short swing.”
That’s the magic word: efficient.
He doesn’t waste motion. He doesn’t fight his body. And he still hits bombs.
What Makes His Compact Swing Work?
Let’s get one thing straight — Rahm isn’t shortening a traditional swing. He’s building a powerful, stable motion from the ground up, specifically around what his body can do.
Here’s what’s going on under the hood:
- Lower Body Stability: Rahm’s coach, Dave Phillips, says most amateurs miss the point. “They should be way more focused on their lower body and how their lower body works.” And with Rahm? That lower body is money — strong, stable, and constantly moving with purpose.
- Limited Turn, Maximum Width: Despite turning his hips only about 30 degrees on the backswing (vs. a 45-degree Tour average), Rahm creates insane width. His arms stay in front of his chest, and he never loses posture.
- Power from the Ground: Ever try swinging while standing on ice? Doesn’t work. That’s because power starts from the ground. Rahm’s connection to the turf is elite. As Phillips says, “If you lift your feet off the ground and try and swing a golf club, you wouldn’t be able to do it.”
Wait — Can You Actually Copy This?
Let’s be clear: You’re not 6’2”, 225 pounds, and built like a linebacker. But that doesn’t mean Rahm’s approach isn’t useful.
In fact, if you’re dealing with limited flexibility, injury, or just plain aging, his swing philosophy might be the most accessible on Tour.
Here’s where you start:
1. Accept Your Limitations (Seriously)
“Your body is going to tell you what it can and can’t do,” Rahm says. “Some things you can improve, some things you can’t.”
This isn’t about giving up. It’s about building a swing around your body, not someone else’s Instagram highlight reel.
2. Tweak Your Setup
Try this: lower your trail shoulder slightly, and let your trail arm stay soft and bent at address. This gives you a more natural position to create turn — without over-rotating or forcing your spine into a yoga pose.
3. Start the Swing with the Clubhead
Instead of muscling the club back with your arms and torso, allow the clubhead to initiate the takeaway. This naturally pulls your body into motion — and requires less flexibility to do it.
The Drill That Changed Everything for Rahm
As a junior in Spain, Rahm played on tree-lined fairways where accuracy mattered more than distance. His coach had him make half backswings — and then try to hit it as far as possible.
The goal? Learn to create power with less swing.
Try it:
- Grab a 9-iron.
- Make a swing that feels like only 50% backswing.
- Then smash it as far as you can.
You’ll quickly figure out how to use your legs, not your arms, to generate speed. And you might discover you don’t need a full shoulder turn to hit clean, consistent shots.
What If You’re Stiff in the Back or Shoulders?
Join the club.
Many amateurs — especially older players — struggle with thoracic spine mobility. That’s the part of your spine between your shoulder blades, and if it’s tight, your turn will suffer.
One workaround?
Adjust below the limitation. Try flaring your trail foot or stepping it back a touch at address. That frees up your hips to rotate more, even if your upper back can’t. Rahm did something similar by necessity, and it worked out okay for him.
The Real Takeaway: Build Your Swing, Not The Swing
Jon Rahm’s swing isn’t “weird.” It’s brilliant. It’s customized. It’s what happens when you stop trying to fit into a textbook model and instead focus on repeatability, efficiency, and — most of all — respecting your body.
If you’re the kind of golfer who’s frustrated by aching joints, a limited turn, or a swing that’s been “under construction” for the last five years… maybe you don’t need more. Maybe you need less — done smarter.
You might not hit it like Rahm. But you can learn to swing like someone who listens to their body.
And that might be even more powerful.