2019-06-01_Golf_Digest

Photographs by J.D. Cuban

CHECK THE HANDS

A few years ago, there
was a slight disconnect
between the movements
of his body and arms
at the top of the swing,
Gregory says. “His hands
used to be higher, a sign
that the core stopped
moving too soon. I’m
being a little picky here,
but I’d like to see his
belt buckle over his right
foot—a deeper turn.”

SWING THOUGHT

Long says he thinks

about starting the

downswing with his left

hip. “The feel for me is

that my left hip is rotat-

ing left and back, really

opening up.” He used to

have more of an armsy

swing, Gregory says, but

they’ve worked hard on

getting Long to engage

his body more.

THE SECRET SAUCE

What makes Long a re-

ally good driver is how

well he hits up on the

ball and favors a slight

draw shot shape. “Note

the spine tilt at impact,”

Gregory says. “He even

hangs back a little on his

right foot, which is just

fine if you’re swinging a

driver. It’s not something

you want with irons.”

“Now I have an overall

sense of belonging on

the PGA Tour.”

PRO-FILE

adam long

31 / 5-10 / 160 pounds

Jupiter, Fla.

driver

TaylorMade M 6

(9 degrees)

ball

Titleist Pro V1

KEEP ON TRUCKIN’

Hips, torso, arms and

club—everything is still

moving well past im-

pact. Even Long’s head

swivels, “which allows

his body to keep on

rotating,” Gregory says.

“If you keep your head

down, it’s difficult to

fully release your chest

and get pressure into

your left foot and toward

the target.”