Eagle-eyed viewers of the 2025 U.S. Open coverage may have spotted Collin Morikawa employing an unusual drill on the practice range: holding a golf club against his spine.

While it might have seemed odd, this technique is a method for refining posture at address. On Tuesday, Morikawa elaborated on the drill during a press conference, explaining its importance for his game, particularly at Oakmont.

“It’s all posture,” Morikawa stated. “I’ve been trying to find this little thing that just allows me to use my hands that I know I can use. A lot of the feel comes from our hands and dictating where that shot goes.”

He added, “You look at the best in the world, Scottie Scheffler, doesn’t matter where his feet and everything move, he has control of that golf club. Recently I feel like I’ve been a little to crowded at setup, and this posture is just allowing me to give myself space without forcing my body in bad positions.”

The importance of Hand Control

Morikawa emphasized that maintaining proper posture is not just about body positioning; it’s also about maximizing the use of his hands during the swing.

“It’s finding little ways to get in good posture but just be relaxed so I can use my hands,” he explained.

At a course like Oakmont,where the rough is notoriously thick,hand control becomes even more critical for managing the clubface.

“It’s all posture…allowing me to give myself space without forcing my body in bad positions.”

“this is just thick,” Morikawa noted. “Clubs will turn over.you’re going to see guys trying to hit pitching wedge out and it’s going to go 45 degrees left because that’s how thick the rough is.”

While U.S. Open greenkeepers have trimmed some of the rough, the course will still present a formidable challenge. It remains to be seen how players, including Morikawa, will fare against the dense second cut throughout the tournament.

Amelia Davies is a sports journalist covering golf and other major sporting events.