Adam Bazalgette of Scratch Golf Academy introduced a new drill this week designed to fix a common swing fault that ruins ball striking. The “Laser Light” Takeaway targets the driver, a club that sits at a fairly flat angle and requires a shallower approach to the ball. This error prevents solid contact and kills distance. MyGolfSpy reported that Bazalgette’s method provides a simple visual picture to correct this issue without complex gear or confusing setup changes.
The drill relies on a specific grip and a mental image to guide the backswing. Players start by gripping the driver with just their lead hand. They then flatten their trail hand and place it in front of the shaft so the shaft rests against the back of the fingers. From this position, the golfer makes a few slow takeaways. The hand placement prevents the player from grabbing the club and whipping it too far inside. The palm lines up with the clubface, giving the player a clear feel for where the club is aimed.
Visualizing the Laser Beam
This imaginary beam points directly at the player. As the backswing begins, the golfer must feel that light point at the trail pocket or slightly behind the trail leg. This visualization keeps the club on the correct plane and stops it from getting too far inside. MyGolfSpy noted that making a few small swings with this feel helps ingrain the motion before switching back to a regular grip for full shots. Keeping the club from going too far inside helps avoid the over-the-top move that leads to slices and weak contact.
Without thinking about technical positions, players can use one simple feel on the tee, which explains why Bazalgette’s approach works. The drill helps the arms and body stay connected during the takeaway instead of letting the hands take over the movement. It is a straightforward adjustment that does not require any special equipment. For golfers who need direction on how to take the driver back properly, this method offers a practical starting point. The simplicity allows players to focus on the feel of the swing rather than the mechanics.
Fixing the takeaway is especially important for senior golfers who are losing distance. MyGolfSpy reported that losing some distance is normal as players age, but bad habits can make the problem worse. However, a flawed takeaway that leads to an over-the-top swing wastes energy and reduces clubhead speed. Seniors often copy the setup of younger, high-speed players, which limits hip turn and costs yardage. A proper takeaway helps maintain the connection between the arms and body, allowing for a more efficient turn.
Swing thoughts like “keep your head still” or “keep your lead arm straight” often add tension and cost backswing length. The Laser Light drill replaces these tension-inducing thoughts with a visual cue. By focusing on the light pointing at the trail pocket, the player naturally keeps the club on a better path. This reduces the need to force the swing or try to manipulate the clubface. The drill is one feel that can be used on the tee without overthinking the positions. It addresses the root cause of many distance losses by ensuring the swing starts on the correct plane.
Applying the Drill to Your Game
Players should start by making a few slow takeaways with the modified grip. The goal is to feel the shaft against the back of the trail fingers and see the laser light point at the correct spot. Once the feel is established, the golfer can take their regular grip and hit shots. The drill is designed to be simple and effective. It does not require a complex setup or extra gear. MyGolfSpy highlighted that the drill helps players feel as if their arms and body stay more connected on the takeaway. This connection is key to avoiding the over-the-top move.
Adam Bazalgette’s drill provides a clear solution for a problem that affects many golfers. The “Laser Light” Takeaway is a simple adjustment that can improve ball striking and consistency. Golfers looking to fix their driver swing can use this visualization to stay on plane. The method works by preventing the club from getting too far inside early in the swing. This simple feel helps players avoid coming over the top.
