NASSAU, Bahamas – Butch Harmon had been imploring Jimmy Walker to make a swing change. Walker was hesitant, but after a poor showing at the President Cup and lackluster play thereafter, he relented.
Good thing. One week in and the changes are paying dividends. Walker shares the 36-hole lead, with Jordan Spieth and Bill Haas, at the Hero World Challenge.
Walker has made 15 birdies and four bogeys over two rounds, shooting a 5-under 67 on Friday at Albany.
Walker described the swing change on Thursday, following his opening 66, as a “head move.” “You have to really enjoy watching the golf swing to probably see it,” he said.
Hero World Challenge: Articles, photos and videos
Actually, it’s pretty evident. At least once he pointed it out. You can see how his head transitions more through impact. It doesn’t look like a big deal, but, apparently, it is.
“It’s still not natural. ... It’s a big move for me,” Walker said. “I can tell when I do it and when I don’t do it. That’s what’s nice, when you’re working on something and you can feel when you don’t do it.
“It feels really good, but it’s definitely still unnatural.”