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The Scheffler Shuffle: Follow the New WM Phoenix Open Champion's Fancy Footwork
By Keith Stewart, PGA
Published on
Scottie Scheffler at 2023 WM Phoenix Open. (Getty Images)
Scottie Scheffler is back on top of the golf world.
A final round 65 catapulted Scheffler to victory at the 2023 WM Phoenix Open and back-to-back wins at TPC Scottsdale after his triumph last year kicked off a memorable 2022.
The smooth swinging Texan, now back at World No. 1, has had that same swing for a long time. The first time I saw Scottie Scheffler play in a tournament was 2014 at the Terracotta Invitational in Naples, Florida. The highly ranked amateur caught my eye with his swashbuckling move and incredible affinity for scoring.
Even then, he had that memorable foot action. Although all PGA Coaches will recommend a quieter push with the feet in your swing, we all can learn a thing or two from “Scheffler’s Shuffle.”
Scottie Scheffler plays his shot from the 15th tee during the final round of the 2023 WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
It may look messy, but there’s a specific purpose to that movement. Let’s start with the goal. He’s trying to get his pelvis turned and weight into his lead heel. Take a look again. Hit pause and scroll the video along. Watch from the transition (back to forward swing) and see what happens. When Scottie turns his hips, his feet explode through the shot.
Stand up and grab a club and try this demonstration.
- Find a place where swinging will work with the ceiling. Outdoors would be even better. Then take your normal stance as you would if you were addressing the ball before a shot. Take the club to the top of your backswing and stop.
- Now leave your arms alone and start turning your hips. Try to get that trail hip to where the ball would be. Can you, do it? Most of you won’t be able to get there due to a mobility constraint.
- Now allow your feet to move off the ground as you turn that pelvis. I bet that made it a whole lot easier!
I’m certainly not saying Scottie needs to move like that to turn. What I am saying is that most amateurs do. Back in 2014, he had that move and he obviously employs it still today. It allows him to make a very aggressive turn without a lot of strain on his body.
When we release the feet, we alleviate some of the pull between the lower and upper body. Letting go of that strain is very good for the average golfer. It will allow you to turn through the shot more efficiently. The next time you go to the practice range I want you to try the Scheffler Shuffle.
Start with a pitching wedge and begin that transition by pushing off your trail foot. Feel how it releases your hips to a better follow-through. Work your way up through the bag until you get to the driver. Stop hitting shots flatfoot and you’ll be amazed at the results.
