Ariya Jutanugarn: Lessons From The Winner’s Circle

by John Dudek

Ariya Jutanugarn is currently ranked No. 2 in the world in the Rolex Women’s Golf Ranking. Playing on the LPGA since 2015 with 9 wins (including 2 majors) and with career earnings over $6,000,000 she has had a very successful career indeed. Her power and finesse are widely acknowledged, and she has a game that I would swap for in a heartbeat.

1. Focus On What You Do Well

Ariya is well known for her power off of the tee, she ranks in at No. 10 on the LPGA in driving distance. Which immediately becomes more impressive when you find out that she doesn’t keep a driver in the bag! 

When asked why she doesn’t use a driver on the golf course (apart from obviously not needing it!) she’ll tell you that she just doesn’t feel confident in her ability to keep that club in the fairway. 

This teaches an excellent lesson in focusing on what you do well, and shying away from what you don’t feel confident in on the golf course. The driving range and practice areas are designed to help you develop your game, and are the only places where you should be experimenting!

Try your best to steer clear of any shot that makes you nervous on the golf course, and practice it like crazy off the course until it becomes a strength!  

2. Iron Shot Off the Tee

A shot that Ariya Jutanugarn has perfected in her game is the Iron shot off the tee.

I’ve seen her hit this shot in person, and it is impressive to say the least!

The advantage of hitting an iron off of the tee is first and foremost accuracy. With an iron in your hands, even if you smash it, you are much more likely to leave it in the fairway. And a second shot from the fairway, even if it is a few yards further back, is much easier to execute than a shot from the rough.

Don’t have a driving iron in the bag? No problem! Grab your 6-4 iron, it will work fantastically! Focus on keeping the ball low, experiment with ball placement, and swing as you normally would a long iron. You’ll be surprised how far the ball will roll, and will be pleased with your more frequent trips to the center of the fairway! 

3. Keep a Sturdy Base

One thing you won’t see Ariya do is swing off her heels, she keeps remarkable balance throughout her golf game, whether it be with her 3 wood or with her putter in the wind. The secret to her balance? A sturdy, powerful, base.

The next time you’re on the range, take your stance and try quickly shuffling your weight up and down from your knees. Feel the power and stability load into your legs. Try keeping that stability in your legs as you take your stance and complete your golf swing. 

A sturdy base is vital for power and consistency in your golf game, make it a larger focus of your game and you won’t regret it! 

4. Be Happy!

Watching Ariya on the golf course you will quickly notice not only the positivity in which she holds herself, but also how much fun she is having on the golf course! She is famous for her smile on the golf course, and even included it in her pre-shot routine!

Most avid golfers will probably tell you that they are at their happiest when they are on the golf course, yet we all seem to find it difficult to stay positive throughout our round, particularly when we find ourselves in a slump. Remember that golf is a game, and is meant to be fun! Try smiling on the golf course. laugh at the bad shots! Take in the beauty of your surroundings. Breath in the fresh air. And don’t take things so seriously!

5. Try Ariya’s Patented Pre-shot Routine

As Ariya finishes up her pre-shot routine, after practicing her shot, and eyeing her line, just before she steps up to the ball, she forces a very pronounced and happy smile. She says that this helps her to relax and stay positive.

You might feel funny trying it at first, but the first step to happiness is often physical! And keeping your cool and staying positive can drastically improve your score!

It’s easy to see why Ariya is one of the most popular players on the LPGA. Consistently at the top of the women's world rankings. A positive, friendly person. And not just adored by her many fans but by her fellow players as well. We gladly take notes from her game to learn from, and congratulate her on her U.S. Open victory!