If you've ever watched a professional golf tournament, chances are you've seen players waggle their club before hitting a shot. Sergio Garcia was a notorious over-waggler, at one point would do upwards of 25 waggles ahead of pulling the trigger. Tony Finau has a very effective waggle ahead of his short, powerful swing. Tony feels the waggle unlocks more power by prompting him to take the club back faster and create more length. 

But does this pre-shot routine actually have any benefits, or is it just a superstitious habit? In this blog post, we'll delve into the great waggle debate and explore the pros and cons of wiggling your club before a shot.

What the Heck is the Waggle?

First, let's define waggling. In golf, waggling is the act of moving the club back and forth in a small, controlled motion before hitting a shot. Some golfers may do this a few times before each shot, while others may do it more frequently. It's a personal preference, and some golfers may not waggle at all.

What Does Science Have to Say on the Waggle

Some golfers swear by the waggle as a way to improve their game. They argue that it helps them get a feel for the club and get their body and mind in the right state for the shot. It's a way to loosen up and get into the "zone," so to speak.

But does the waggle actually have any scientific basis? According to research, there may be some truth to the argument that the waggle can help improve your game. A study conducted by the University of Edinburgh found that golfers who waggled their club before a shot had a higher success rate compared to those who didn't. The researchers theorized that the waggle may help golfers get a better feel for the club and improve their timing and rhythm.

However, it's important to note that the benefits of the waggle may be more psychological than physical. In other words, the waggle may not directly improve a golfer's swing or shot-making ability, but it can help them feel more confident and relaxed, which can lead to better performance on the course.

On the other hand, there are those who argue that the waggle is a waste of time and serves no purpose other than to distract and disrupt a golfer's routine. They argue that it's just a superstitious habit that has no bearing on a golfer's performance.

Why to Waggle?

So, what are the pros of waggling? One benefit is that it can help golfers get a feel for the club and the shot they're about to hit. By waggling, golfers can get a sense of the weight and balance of the club and make any necessary adjustments before hitting the shot. It can also help golfers get into a rhythm and build confidence, which is key to success on the course.

Another pro of waggling is that it can help golfers eliminate tension in their hands and wrists. By moving the club back and forth, golfers can loosen up and get into a more relaxed state before hitting the shot. This can lead to a smoother, more controlled swing and ultimately lower scores.

Why Not to Waggle?

However, there are also some cons to waggling. One potential drawback is that it can disrupt a golfer's rhythm and timing. If a golfer waggles too much or for too long, it can throw off their tempo and timing on the shot. Additionally, waggling can be distracting for some golfers and may lead to overthinking or indecision.

The Verdict

So, what's the verdict on the waggle? Is it an effective pre-shot routine or a superstitious habit? The truth is that it probably depends on the golfer. Some may find that the waggle helps them get into the right state of mind and improve their performance, while others may not notice any difference. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and what works best for your game.

Experiment During Practice

So, should you waggle the club during your pre-shot routine? It ultimately comes down to personal preference and what works best for your game. Some golfers may find waggling helpful in getting a feel for the club and building confidence, while others may find it distracting. If you're considering adding waggling to your routine, it's important to experiment and see how it affects your game. You may find that a little waggle goes a long way in helping you lower your scores.