Viktor Hovland’s Unconventional Training Aid: The Rise of ‘Swimmies’ in Golf

Viktor Hovland, currently showcasing strong iron play with gains of over seven strokes on approach in eight measured rounds and a recent top-10 finish, is addressing a challenge with his driver through an unusual training method. Videos have surfaced of the professional golfer utilizing inflatable pool swimmies during practice sessions, sparking curiosity and discussion within the golf community.

Addressing the Driver Challenge

While Hovland’s approach play has been solid, his driver has presented difficulties. The swimmies aren’t a random choice. they represent a deliberate attempt to correct a flaw in his swing. Hovland identified that he was pulling his arms too aggressively during the transition phase, leading to a loss of space and a narrowing of the swing. This, in turn, can cause the club to steepen, resulting in significant misses when using a driver.

How the Swimmies Operate

The inflatable swimmies, or “floaties,” act as a physical barrier, preventing his arms from collapsing inward. This encourages extension, improves swing structure, and promotes a more efficient swing path around the body. The concept isn’t entirely new; other golfers, like Justin Rose, have used similar exaggeration techniques – such as the pump drill – to refine their swings. LPGA star Nelly Korda has similarly been seen using a single armband for a similar purpose.

Unlike using a Tour Striker ball or a headcover between the forearms, the swimmies exaggerate the feel, making the correction more noticeable. Their secure attachment allows Hovland to focus on the swing itself, rather than worrying about dropping a training aid.

The Philosophy Behind Unconventional Training

Golf coaches and players often employ unconventional objects to reinforce a desired swing concept. Golf “feels” can be subtle and tough to replicate consistently. Exaggeration, as demonstrated by Hovland’s use of swimmies, can develop the necessary adjustments more apparent. As one observer noted, sometimes getting better at golf requires looking a little worse in the process.

The use of these training aids highlights a willingness to experiment and discover solutions, even if they appear unorthodox. Whether this approach will translate to improved performance on the course remains to be seen, but it demonstrates a creative and dedicated approach to the game.