Justin Limjap has been getting a lot of attention not only for his achievements but also for his unconventional backswing.
It is something that many are not used to seeing, especially from an elite player like Limjap.
Little did they know that the swing has been around since 2015. It was introduced by the famed instructor David Leadbetter who designed it for those struggling with their backswings.
He called it the A Swing — where A stands for alternative.
Leadbetter said it makes backswing simpler and helps improve the efficiency of the entire motion.
Seven years since he started using the A Swing, Limjap’s playing partners, young and old, continue to ask about his unique movement.
“I always tell younger players not to copy my swing… copy Yuka’s swing!” said Limjap, referring to former US Women’s Open champion Yuka Saso.
Limjap has always wanted to have a fade shot.
“I know the only way to do it is to have an out-to-in swing. So I tried the A Swing. Medyo mahirap. So this is like the edited version,” he explained.
Limjap said he perfected it with the help of swing coach Kevin Lachica.
“Mahirap at first but miss ko before is duck hook which is not forgiving in the course, so I have to learn how to cut the ball. So parang binaliktad ko talaga ung swing out to in for a cut shot. So with this swing, I know the ball will just start left and will fade into the target,” he added.
The only time he would revert to conventional swing is when he faces a tee shot on a fairway that doglegs to the left.
“Like the 17 at Marapara, the swing there is for a draw. Close stance, strong grip, and in-and-out swing,” he said.
Limjap said he has tried all kinds of swings, including the stack-and-tilt, but finds the A Swing the one that works for him.
Immediately after making the switch, Limjap won the National Tour of Champions against Gary Sales that same year.
A few days ago, Limjap defended his title against old friend and rival JR Tanpinco at the Negros Occidental Golf and Country Club in Bacolod.
He won the marathon match on the 36th hole with a par.
“Just got lucky. We both played good,” he said.
Coming off a not-so-stellar performance in the 72nd Fil-Am Invitational in Baguio City, Limjap said he did some cardio training and practiced almost every day.
“I simulated 36 holes of playing talaga because I know JR was also preparing hard,” he said.
His A Swing held up under grinding pressure.
“For me kasi, wala naman perfect swing. Kung ano swing that works for you, go for it. Just focus on making good contact. There are a lot of unique swings in the PGA Tour. Pag dating sa downswing, square na square pamalo nila,” Limjap said.
To those struggling or just starting, Limjap advised them to get a coach who will teach them the fundamentals and work on their short game.
