Sam Burns’ Pre-Shot Move
How Sam Burns’ Pre-Shot Move Helped Stabilize His Swing at the U.S. Open
At the 2025 U.S. Open, Sam Burns quietly leaned on a small but powerful detail in his pre-shot routine to keep his swing in check. Just before every shot, he rehearsed the takeaway—making sure the clubhead stayed outside his hands. It was a simple move, but one that played a critical role in minimizing the types of misses that had plagued him in the past.
The Flaw: Inside Takeaway, Costly Misses
Burns had long struggled with the club getting too far inside during the takeaway, a tendency that led to blocks and hooks. That early misstep often disrupted the rest of his sequence, setting up a closed face and errant path.
Rather than tinker mid-swing, he addressed the issue with a targeted adjustment in his routine.
The Fix: A Purposeful Rehearsal Built Into the Routine
Before starting his backswing, Burns would lift the club into a brief takeaway position, visually confirming the clubhead stayed outside his hands, with the toe oriented properly. Then, he’d reset and swing.
This wasn’t a gimmick—it was a kinesthetic checkpoint designed to reinforce his intended swing path and face orientation. It gave him tactile and visual feedback just before execution—subtle, but highly effective.
Why It Worked: A Sports Performance Perspective
From a motor learning and movement science standpoint, Burns’ adjustment showcased several key principles:
Motor Pattern Priming: The rehearsal helped fire the correct neuromuscular sequence before the swing began, improving swing path from the outset.
External Focus Advantage: Instead of internalizing mechanics, Burns used the clubhead position as an external cue—boosting accuracy and reducing overthinking.
Pressure-Proof Routine: Most importantly, this move was repeatable. Under U.S. Open pressure, it provided structure, rhythm, and a sense of control—everything elite players seek in their process.
Final Thoughts: Small Adjustment, Major Payoff
Burns didn’t reinvent his swing at the U.S. Open—he relied on a familiar and effective routine to neutralize a known flaw. That discipline helped reduce errant shots and allowed his elite putting to shine on a tough layout.
At ATX Golf Performance, we champion this same mindset: technical precision built on routine, awareness, and feedback. Whether you’re competing for a major or grinding through your weekend round, mastering pre-shot habits that align your swing with your intent is essential.
Through expert coaching, individualized plans, and performance-driven tools, we help players develop reliable movement patterns that hold up under pressure. Just like Burns, success starts long before the club moves—it starts with clarity, preparation, and trust in your process.