There is a new article online regarding Tiger's performance under Hank Haney from 2006-2009 and during his record year in 2000 when he was coached by Butch Harmon.
No matter what you think of either instructor, both have earned their ranking as the two best instructors in the business, no matter what you think of their abilities.
The link to the article is below...
http://rexfordbuzzsaw.wordpress.com/2010/12/08/which-tiger-swing-was-better-hank-haney%E2%80%99s-or-butch-harmon%E2%80%99s/
Scott Cole
www.howtgolfyourbest.com
Showing posts with label Hank Haney. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hank Haney. Show all posts
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
The Golf Swing and Back Pain
One of the topics that a number of the online golf swing gurus are hitting upon these days is the back pain that can be caused by the golf swing. Some of the online teaching pros go as far as to claim that their golf swing model is endorsed by medical professionals, or is scientifically proven. One teacher may suggest that the two-plane swing is the culprit, while another may indicate that the more modern and athletic, rotational swing is the culprit.
So with all this conflicting information being thrown at you, what is the true answer? I really don't know, but here is my two cents. It all depends on the individual.
The golf swing, no matter what model you subscribe to, is a complex athletic move. I know, I know, contrary to what is being sold to the public, the golf swing is not SIMPLE! What athletic move that incorporates just about every single muscle in the body at one moment or another can possibly be described as simple?
So, due to the fact that the golf swing itself is a complex athletic move, and no two human bodies are exactly alike, then it is no wonder that some people can develop back pain by using a one plane swing, two plane swing, or any other swing. Jack Nicklaus, Lee Trevino, Fred Couples, Seve Ballesteros and even Rory McIlroy have suffered from back pain. They all have very different golf swings. The only common thread is that they play golf.
Back pain for golfers can come from a variety of sources. Those who walk most of the time and may have foot issues may develop back pain. Those who walk and carry their golf bags can develop back pain. Those who are significantly over weight can develop back pain.
The only real way to fight it is not by switching to a new golf swing. Sure, a tweak here or there may alleviate some of the issues. It was revealed that Butch Harmon has Fred Couples hitting a draw this year to help alleviate some of the back pain, and Fred appeared to be doing well up through late Spring, but the issue did come back later in the season.
So, the best way to fight back issues is to strengthen the back, get it more flexible, and work on some of the spinal alignment issues, if you have any. I personally have some back issues, but I avoid major flare ups by continuing to do my core muscle workouts at least semi-regularly, stretch at least a little, and use my Tru Back device for alignment. The spine requires consistent attention. If none is given, any complex athletic move or activity is bound to result in wear and tear.
Do yourself a favor. If you have back issues, don't imagine for one second that a different golf swing will be the cure. The fact is, changing the overall shape of your golf swing takes a lot more work, than just a viewing of a video. Remember how long it took Tiger Woods to incorporate the changes he made to his swing with Hank Haney...over a year. Subtle change can be made, but major changes take time and practice.
Take care of your back instead. Take the time every day to loosen it up and stretch it out a bit. Consider taking some yoga classes and picking up an alignment device like the Tru Back or an inversion table. If needed, go to a chiropractor. If you take care of your back consistently, you will be much better off in the long run.
Scott Cole
www.powergolftraining.net
So with all this conflicting information being thrown at you, what is the true answer? I really don't know, but here is my two cents. It all depends on the individual.
The golf swing, no matter what model you subscribe to, is a complex athletic move. I know, I know, contrary to what is being sold to the public, the golf swing is not SIMPLE! What athletic move that incorporates just about every single muscle in the body at one moment or another can possibly be described as simple?
So, due to the fact that the golf swing itself is a complex athletic move, and no two human bodies are exactly alike, then it is no wonder that some people can develop back pain by using a one plane swing, two plane swing, or any other swing. Jack Nicklaus, Lee Trevino, Fred Couples, Seve Ballesteros and even Rory McIlroy have suffered from back pain. They all have very different golf swings. The only common thread is that they play golf.
Back pain for golfers can come from a variety of sources. Those who walk most of the time and may have foot issues may develop back pain. Those who walk and carry their golf bags can develop back pain. Those who are significantly over weight can develop back pain.
The only real way to fight it is not by switching to a new golf swing. Sure, a tweak here or there may alleviate some of the issues. It was revealed that Butch Harmon has Fred Couples hitting a draw this year to help alleviate some of the back pain, and Fred appeared to be doing well up through late Spring, but the issue did come back later in the season.
So, the best way to fight back issues is to strengthen the back, get it more flexible, and work on some of the spinal alignment issues, if you have any. I personally have some back issues, but I avoid major flare ups by continuing to do my core muscle workouts at least semi-regularly, stretch at least a little, and use my Tru Back device for alignment. The spine requires consistent attention. If none is given, any complex athletic move or activity is bound to result in wear and tear.
Do yourself a favor. If you have back issues, don't imagine for one second that a different golf swing will be the cure. The fact is, changing the overall shape of your golf swing takes a lot more work, than just a viewing of a video. Remember how long it took Tiger Woods to incorporate the changes he made to his swing with Hank Haney...over a year. Subtle change can be made, but major changes take time and practice.
Take care of your back instead. Take the time every day to loosen it up and stretch it out a bit. Consider taking some yoga classes and picking up an alignment device like the Tru Back or an inversion table. If needed, go to a chiropractor. If you take care of your back consistently, you will be much better off in the long run.
Scott Cole
www.powergolftraining.net
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Golf Tip - Lower Your Score Today
It's getting a little late in the season to be working on major swing changes, or that new swing you read about that will magically help you hit the ball farther and straighter. So, here's a quick tip that will help you chop a couple strokes of your score, today!
Before you tee it up today, get on that practice putting green with purpose! First, work on your speed control. Lay down a club on the green, then drop ten balls about 20 feet away. Hit all ten putts and try to get as close to that club as possible without going past it. Do this again from 30 feet and from 40 feet. Once you've done this and you are comfortably getting within two feet of the club, set up two tees, two feet apart, and about two feet in front of the club. Now hit ten putts from 30 feet and try to get each putt in between the two tees, and still short of the club. Now, you should have a good feel for the speed of the greens today.
Next, set up two tees, one about 1/4 inch off the toe of your putter, and the other 1/4 inch off the heel of your putter. Be sure you set this gate up about 4 feet from a hole, and be sure it is a straight put. Have the gate set up square to the hole. Set your putter between the gate, and a ball in front of your putter. Try to make as many putts as you can without missing, and without hitting the tees. Once you miss one, start over, and try to beat that streak on this try. You should make at least 10 in a row with this drill. When you do, you will have more confidence on your short putts heading out to the course.
So, now you have the speed of the greens down, and some confidence with your short putts. This should lead to more made putts! Now, go enjoy your round!
Scott Cole, Hank Haney Pro Instructor, Olney Golf Park, Olney, MD
www.onlinegolfswingcoach.com
Before you tee it up today, get on that practice putting green with purpose! First, work on your speed control. Lay down a club on the green, then drop ten balls about 20 feet away. Hit all ten putts and try to get as close to that club as possible without going past it. Do this again from 30 feet and from 40 feet. Once you've done this and you are comfortably getting within two feet of the club, set up two tees, two feet apart, and about two feet in front of the club. Now hit ten putts from 30 feet and try to get each putt in between the two tees, and still short of the club. Now, you should have a good feel for the speed of the greens today.
Next, set up two tees, one about 1/4 inch off the toe of your putter, and the other 1/4 inch off the heel of your putter. Be sure you set this gate up about 4 feet from a hole, and be sure it is a straight put. Have the gate set up square to the hole. Set your putter between the gate, and a ball in front of your putter. Try to make as many putts as you can without missing, and without hitting the tees. Once you miss one, start over, and try to beat that streak on this try. You should make at least 10 in a row with this drill. When you do, you will have more confidence on your short putts heading out to the course.
So, now you have the speed of the greens down, and some confidence with your short putts. This should lead to more made putts! Now, go enjoy your round!
Scott Cole, Hank Haney Pro Instructor, Olney Golf Park, Olney, MD
www.onlinegolfswingcoach.com
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Golf Swing Models
Over the last 25 years or so, there has been a lot of focus on whether one swing model may work better than others. This is due to the emergence of top instructors such as Jimmy Ballard and David Leadbetter in the 1980's, Butch Harmon and Hank Haney in the 1990's, and now such instructors as Sean Foley, Jim Hardy, and Brian Mogg, among others, in more recent years.
These instructors above became popular due to the success of some of their PGA Tour students. Jimmy Ballard worked with Curtis Strange. Leadbetter notably helped Nick Faldo become a dominant player. Butch Harmon worked with Greg Norman in the 1990's and Tiger Woods soon after. Hank Haney gained fame as Mark O'Meara's instructor, than worked with Tiger for six years. Now, the torch has been passed on to these younger instructors.
Throughout this period, we have seen a variety of swing models espoused by these instructors. Jimmy Ballard was noted for emphasizing a bit of a sway in the golf swing to help increase power. Haney brought a new emphasis on the swing plane by taking Ben Hogan's thoughts a little bit further. Harmon is noted for mainly working with a player's strengths and eliminating his weaknesses. Since then, we have also heard of Stack and Tilt, One Plane vs. Two Plane, Natural Golf, Peak Performance, etc.
The question is, are any of these swing models superior to the rest? Unfortunately, I don't believe there is any one particular model that can work for everyone. The reason is simple...every golfer is different! We come in all different shapes and sizes, athletic backgrounds, physical abilities, etc.
The key then is to find a swing that can work for you personally. With that in mind, I believe it is not a good thing for an instructor to simply focus on one particular swing model and try to fit it to all of his students. I believe it is necessary to develop a strong foundation of fundamentals, but ultimately, the instructor must also work with the physical abilities of his students.
Here at Olney Golf Park in Maryland, I have the good fortune to work with PGA instructor and former tour player Jim Estes. Jim is a co-founder of the Salute the Military Golf Foundation. As such, he teaches many military veterans, many whom have physical disabilities due to their service to our country.
Working with these golfers and other folks I have taught previously has helped me immensely in realizing that to be the best instructor possible, it is necessary to identify a golfers strengths and weaknesses, help them learn the fundamentals of the swing, and to improve their body so that they can more easily improve on these fundamentals.
The bottom line is the golfer wants to be in the best position possible at impact, according to their own abilities. As their physical abilities improve, so will their ability to get into this position. No one particular golf swing model will get a golfer in this position any better than the others.
With all this in mind, golfers should strive to find an instructor who has a good grasp of how the body works, how to improve the body to make it work better, and who has a tremendous grasp of the fundamentals of a good golf swing.
Scott Cole
www.scottcolegolf.com
www.onlinegolfswingcoach.com
These instructors above became popular due to the success of some of their PGA Tour students. Jimmy Ballard worked with Curtis Strange. Leadbetter notably helped Nick Faldo become a dominant player. Butch Harmon worked with Greg Norman in the 1990's and Tiger Woods soon after. Hank Haney gained fame as Mark O'Meara's instructor, than worked with Tiger for six years. Now, the torch has been passed on to these younger instructors.
Throughout this period, we have seen a variety of swing models espoused by these instructors. Jimmy Ballard was noted for emphasizing a bit of a sway in the golf swing to help increase power. Haney brought a new emphasis on the swing plane by taking Ben Hogan's thoughts a little bit further. Harmon is noted for mainly working with a player's strengths and eliminating his weaknesses. Since then, we have also heard of Stack and Tilt, One Plane vs. Two Plane, Natural Golf, Peak Performance, etc.
The question is, are any of these swing models superior to the rest? Unfortunately, I don't believe there is any one particular model that can work for everyone. The reason is simple...every golfer is different! We come in all different shapes and sizes, athletic backgrounds, physical abilities, etc.
The key then is to find a swing that can work for you personally. With that in mind, I believe it is not a good thing for an instructor to simply focus on one particular swing model and try to fit it to all of his students. I believe it is necessary to develop a strong foundation of fundamentals, but ultimately, the instructor must also work with the physical abilities of his students.
Here at Olney Golf Park in Maryland, I have the good fortune to work with PGA instructor and former tour player Jim Estes. Jim is a co-founder of the Salute the Military Golf Foundation. As such, he teaches many military veterans, many whom have physical disabilities due to their service to our country.
Working with these golfers and other folks I have taught previously has helped me immensely in realizing that to be the best instructor possible, it is necessary to identify a golfers strengths and weaknesses, help them learn the fundamentals of the swing, and to improve their body so that they can more easily improve on these fundamentals.
The bottom line is the golfer wants to be in the best position possible at impact, according to their own abilities. As their physical abilities improve, so will their ability to get into this position. No one particular golf swing model will get a golfer in this position any better than the others.
With all this in mind, golfers should strive to find an instructor who has a good grasp of how the body works, how to improve the body to make it work better, and who has a tremendous grasp of the fundamentals of a good golf swing.
Scott Cole
www.scottcolegolf.com
www.onlinegolfswingcoach.com
Friday, August 27, 2010
Meet Me At Olney Golf Park in Maryland
Greetings! I will be spending my first full weekend at Olney Golf Park in Olney, Maryland this weekend. My first order of business is to assist Jim Estes with his soldier clients in the Salute Military Golf Association (SMGA). Jim created this foundation to introduce the game to military vets, including our wounded warriors. I look forward to helping Jim teach this great game to the men and women who serve our country in the greatest capacity.
After Saturday morning's work with the veterans, I will be on hand to give lessons and tips while at the same time I will be working on some videos and such for my website. If you have the opportunity, come and check out the Olney Golf Park this weekend, and be sure to say hello!
Scott Cole
www.scottcolegolf.com
After Saturday morning's work with the veterans, I will be on hand to give lessons and tips while at the same time I will be working on some videos and such for my website. If you have the opportunity, come and check out the Olney Golf Park this weekend, and be sure to say hello!
Scott Cole
www.scottcolegolf.com
Monday, August 16, 2010
Olney Golf Park in Maryland
This week I start offering my instruction at Olney Golf Park in Olney, Maryland. This is a full scale practice facility where you can work on every part of your golf game. Today, I spent three hours in the heat and humidity working on my full swing, wedge game, pitch shots and putting. I was drenched, otherwise, I would have spent more time, as I have not had this opportunity to work on my game in years.
Olney Golf Park has a terrific driving range complete with covered and heated stalls, higher quality mats, grass tee area, target greens, and pitch shot greens. We also have a two bay indoor teaching studio where we conduct video analysis and club fitting.
The practice putting green is massive and and rolls very smooth. You can work on every short game shot imaginable, except your bunker play. However, there is a separate wedge game area where you can work on this part of your game, as well as wedge shots up to 70-75 yards.
Finally, there is a fully stocked pro shop and a terrific staff. Jim Estes is the Director of Instruction, and there are several other instructors, including myself, that can help you with your game.
Olney Golf Park is located about 10-15 minutes from Rockville, and 30 to 45 minutes from DC. Come check us out!
Scott Cole
www.scottcolegolf.com
Olney Golf Park has a terrific driving range complete with covered and heated stalls, higher quality mats, grass tee area, target greens, and pitch shot greens. We also have a two bay indoor teaching studio where we conduct video analysis and club fitting.
The practice putting green is massive and and rolls very smooth. You can work on every short game shot imaginable, except your bunker play. However, there is a separate wedge game area where you can work on this part of your game, as well as wedge shots up to 70-75 yards.
Finally, there is a fully stocked pro shop and a terrific staff. Jim Estes is the Director of Instruction, and there are several other instructors, including myself, that can help you with your game.
Olney Golf Park is located about 10-15 minutes from Rockville, and 30 to 45 minutes from DC. Come check us out!
Scott Cole
www.scottcolegolf.com
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Hank Haney vs. Johnny Miller
I typically like Johnny Miller because he calls 'em the way he sees 'em. But, it's one thing to offer an opinion when you are informed, but another when you are just piling on.
On Sunday during The Players Championship, Miller said Tiger needs to switch coaches because what he is working on with Hank Haney is clearly not working. Hmmmm...let's look at the record a little bit. Last year, Tiger returns to the tour after a 9 month layoff after knee surgery, after winning the U.S. Open on one leg, and wins 7 times worldwide. This included one of the Fedex tournaments where he blitzed the field by 8 shots, and back then Johnny Miller said that was the best golf he had seen out of Tiger since 2000.
So, now, Tiger's problems are a result of poor swing mechanics? Has nothing to do with the off-course issues for sure!
Miller went on to say that he felt that the way Haney teaches does not match up well with Tiger's swing, saying Haney's method requires too much hand action. Huh? Tiger went to Haney because he wanted to shape the ball WITHOUT relying on his hands. Over time, since Tiger has come on tour, his work with Butch Harmon AND Hank Haney has improved his swing dramatically.
If Miller did any research at all on how Haney teaches, he would know that he spoke out of turn. Tiger's best days may have been in 2000, but he himself will tell you he had to play more heroically back then because he did not have the ability to hit some of the shots that he has been able to the last couple of years. Furthermore, Tiger's woes when he has failed to win majors the last few years can be traced directly to his putting.
I remember that run he had in 2000 when he won the U.S. Open by 15 shots and the British Open at St. Andrews by 8 shots. In the U.S. Open at Pebble Beach, I never saw him have a bad lie in the rough, and he made what seemed like every single putt he had inside 15 feet.
At St. Andrews, Tiger did not hit the ball in any single bunker for 72 holes. I met a golfer from Scotland a few years ago who said it is virtually impossible to play 18 holes there without hitting it in a bunker, let alone 72 holes. He said, you can hit it down the middle of the fairway and get a crazy bounce on any hole and end up in a bunker.
Tiger played some fabulous golf back then. He himself will tell you he is a better golfer now. Remember, he has had four surgeries on his knee since then. Once he recovered from his last surgery, he and Hank had to work on new swing thoughts because he had a new, stronger knee than he had for years. He went on to win 7 tournaments last year.
I think Johnny Miller needs to get a clue. His game left him a long time ago, and he never even bothered to play on the Champions Tour because he knew he couldn't compete. Now, he comes off as a grumpy old man. I like Johnny, but he is off base here.
Hank completed an interview with the Golf Channel today, which will be aired in its entirety on Sunday at 6 pm ET. You'll see that he is a humble man.
Scott Cole
Hank Haney Pro Associate Instructor Level 2
www.scottcolegolf.com
www.onlinegolfswingcoach.com
www.powergolftraining.net
On Sunday during The Players Championship, Miller said Tiger needs to switch coaches because what he is working on with Hank Haney is clearly not working. Hmmmm...let's look at the record a little bit. Last year, Tiger returns to the tour after a 9 month layoff after knee surgery, after winning the U.S. Open on one leg, and wins 7 times worldwide. This included one of the Fedex tournaments where he blitzed the field by 8 shots, and back then Johnny Miller said that was the best golf he had seen out of Tiger since 2000.
So, now, Tiger's problems are a result of poor swing mechanics? Has nothing to do with the off-course issues for sure!
Miller went on to say that he felt that the way Haney teaches does not match up well with Tiger's swing, saying Haney's method requires too much hand action. Huh? Tiger went to Haney because he wanted to shape the ball WITHOUT relying on his hands. Over time, since Tiger has come on tour, his work with Butch Harmon AND Hank Haney has improved his swing dramatically.
If Miller did any research at all on how Haney teaches, he would know that he spoke out of turn. Tiger's best days may have been in 2000, but he himself will tell you he had to play more heroically back then because he did not have the ability to hit some of the shots that he has been able to the last couple of years. Furthermore, Tiger's woes when he has failed to win majors the last few years can be traced directly to his putting.
I remember that run he had in 2000 when he won the U.S. Open by 15 shots and the British Open at St. Andrews by 8 shots. In the U.S. Open at Pebble Beach, I never saw him have a bad lie in the rough, and he made what seemed like every single putt he had inside 15 feet.
At St. Andrews, Tiger did not hit the ball in any single bunker for 72 holes. I met a golfer from Scotland a few years ago who said it is virtually impossible to play 18 holes there without hitting it in a bunker, let alone 72 holes. He said, you can hit it down the middle of the fairway and get a crazy bounce on any hole and end up in a bunker.
Tiger played some fabulous golf back then. He himself will tell you he is a better golfer now. Remember, he has had four surgeries on his knee since then. Once he recovered from his last surgery, he and Hank had to work on new swing thoughts because he had a new, stronger knee than he had for years. He went on to win 7 tournaments last year.
I think Johnny Miller needs to get a clue. His game left him a long time ago, and he never even bothered to play on the Champions Tour because he knew he couldn't compete. Now, he comes off as a grumpy old man. I like Johnny, but he is off base here.
Hank completed an interview with the Golf Channel today, which will be aired in its entirety on Sunday at 6 pm ET. You'll see that he is a humble man.
Scott Cole
Hank Haney Pro Associate Instructor Level 2
www.scottcolegolf.com
www.onlinegolfswingcoach.com
www.powergolftraining.net
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Hank Haney Parts Ways With Tiger Woods
Hank Haney announced last night that he had resigned as Tiger Woods swing coach. To many, this came as no surprise, as speculation has been rampant that Tiger was ready to make this move. Personally, I did not speculate on such matters. However, I think Hank is somewhat relieved to be out of that professional relationship now. Hank gets virtually no credit for helping to improve Tiger's game, except from Tiger. So, when Tiger has played well, it's because of his greatness, when he plays bad, it's because he doesn't have the right swing coach.
It is funny how many of the pundits who think they know how Hank teaches really have no clue. Johnny Miller thinks the way Hank teaches requires too much hand action. A commentator on Golf Channel thought Hank was a bad match with Tiger since Tiger is a natural fader of the ball and Hank likes to teach the draw.
The fact is that Tiger was always more of a hooker of the ball when he first came out on tour. Does anyone remember the position of his swing at the top back then? It was way across the line, pointing to the right, a sure sign of someone who will fight a hook much of the time. The way Hank teaches, he wants you to have the ability to hit all 9 shots...low, medium, high straight; low, medium, high fade; and low, medium, high draw. And, he wants you to be able to do that without having to manipulate the hands, but rather with the shape of your swing. That was one reason why Tiger got together with Hank in 2004.
The bottom line is that Tiger needs to get his life in order before he can start focusing on golf again. News was out today that he and Elin are pursuing a quiet divorce. Anyone who has been through that knows it is a huge distraction, especially when young children are involved.
I won't speculate on the reasons behind the parting of ways, but those of us in his instructor training program were notified that he wants to devote more of his energy to the program. For those of us in the program, that is great news and I look forward to the opportunity to continue working with Hank and his staff.
Scott Cole
www.powergolftraining.net
www.onlinegolfswingcoach.com
It is funny how many of the pundits who think they know how Hank teaches really have no clue. Johnny Miller thinks the way Hank teaches requires too much hand action. A commentator on Golf Channel thought Hank was a bad match with Tiger since Tiger is a natural fader of the ball and Hank likes to teach the draw.
The fact is that Tiger was always more of a hooker of the ball when he first came out on tour. Does anyone remember the position of his swing at the top back then? It was way across the line, pointing to the right, a sure sign of someone who will fight a hook much of the time. The way Hank teaches, he wants you to have the ability to hit all 9 shots...low, medium, high straight; low, medium, high fade; and low, medium, high draw. And, he wants you to be able to do that without having to manipulate the hands, but rather with the shape of your swing. That was one reason why Tiger got together with Hank in 2004.
The bottom line is that Tiger needs to get his life in order before he can start focusing on golf again. News was out today that he and Elin are pursuing a quiet divorce. Anyone who has been through that knows it is a huge distraction, especially when young children are involved.
I won't speculate on the reasons behind the parting of ways, but those of us in his instructor training program were notified that he wants to devote more of his energy to the program. For those of us in the program, that is great news and I look forward to the opportunity to continue working with Hank and his staff.
Scott Cole
www.powergolftraining.net
www.onlinegolfswingcoach.com
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Furyk Wins Second Event of 2010
Like many decent players here in Pennsylvania, I had the chance to play with Jim Furyk when he was still an amateur at the University of Arizona back in the early 1990's. We were paired together in a U.S. Amateur qualifier at West Shore CC in Camp Hill, PA. Jim fired rounds of 69-74 for a one under par total, and was medalist. I fired two balls out of bounds in my first two holes (actually, one was just a lost ball on the range next to the first hole) en route to rounds of 83 and 76.
I thought Jim was an excellent player with a goofy swing, but I thought I had played with many better players before him in my amateur career. I outdrove Furyk by 20 to 25 yards on every hole.
Now, 19 years later, Furyk has just won his 15th tour event and has a U.S. Open victory and over $45 million in earnings. A few more wins, or one more major, and he is a shoe in for the Hall of Fame.
He has accomplished this one with of the most unorthodox swings ever seen on the PGA Tour, comparable to Trevino, Miller Barber and Chi Chi Rodriguez. So, how is he able to play so consistently well?
One thing Peter Kostis mentioned in the CBS telecast today is that while Furyk takes the club up steeply in the backswing, he loops it back to the inside on a better swing plane on the down swing. Therefore, he is always hitting the inside of the ball. Most amateurs, since most slice the ball, hit the outside of the ball, and have a flat backswing and steep downswing.
Also, Furyk stays very balanced through the entire swing, and he always swings within him self. Most amateurs are typically off balance and will often try to hit shots that they are unable to hit.
Finally, while unorthodox, Furyk is able to repeat his swing consistently. That is the key to consistent ball striking and is also what made Trevino such a great player with an orthodox swing. Unfortunately, most amateurs can not achieve this consistency due to the basic swing faults in their swing. A steep downswing combined with an early release of the hands, or even a change in spine angle are three killer flaws that many amateurs have. However, it really is not all that difficult to correct these errors. A little practice and some guidance from a good teaching professional can set you on the right path.
Scott Cole
www.scottcolegolf.com
www.powergolftraining.net
I thought Jim was an excellent player with a goofy swing, but I thought I had played with many better players before him in my amateur career. I outdrove Furyk by 20 to 25 yards on every hole.
Now, 19 years later, Furyk has just won his 15th tour event and has a U.S. Open victory and over $45 million in earnings. A few more wins, or one more major, and he is a shoe in for the Hall of Fame.
He has accomplished this one with of the most unorthodox swings ever seen on the PGA Tour, comparable to Trevino, Miller Barber and Chi Chi Rodriguez. So, how is he able to play so consistently well?
One thing Peter Kostis mentioned in the CBS telecast today is that while Furyk takes the club up steeply in the backswing, he loops it back to the inside on a better swing plane on the down swing. Therefore, he is always hitting the inside of the ball. Most amateurs, since most slice the ball, hit the outside of the ball, and have a flat backswing and steep downswing.
Also, Furyk stays very balanced through the entire swing, and he always swings within him self. Most amateurs are typically off balance and will often try to hit shots that they are unable to hit.
Finally, while unorthodox, Furyk is able to repeat his swing consistently. That is the key to consistent ball striking and is also what made Trevino such a great player with an orthodox swing. Unfortunately, most amateurs can not achieve this consistency due to the basic swing faults in their swing. A steep downswing combined with an early release of the hands, or even a change in spine angle are three killer flaws that many amateurs have. However, it really is not all that difficult to correct these errors. A little practice and some guidance from a good teaching professional can set you on the right path.
Scott Cole
www.scottcolegolf.com
www.powergolftraining.net
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Upper Body Stretches to Improve Your Golf Swing
Recently, I had the opportunity to receive hands-on instruction from golf teaching guru, Hank Haney. Now, this was obviously a special opportunity since Hank basically only teaches Tiger Woods, and the junior players at his academy in Hilton Head, South Carolina.
Hank has a specific golf swing theory that he is confident will allow the golfer to hit the nine main golf shots with consistency, at will. This includes the straight shot, with low, medium or high trajectory, a draw with these three trajectories, and a fade with these three trajectories. If a golfer can swing the golf club efficiently, he or she should feel comfortable hitting any one of these shots when the situation calls for it.
Hank’s theory is that the club shaft should maintain the same angle throughout the golf swing as its starting position at address. This is not the so-called one-plane golf swing. Hank dismisses that idea. However, he does suggest that there is one plane “angle” that the shaft should maintain, on different planes, throughout the golf swing.
Now, although I always felt I had a pretty good shoulder turn, my lesson with Hank indicated that I was not getting the full shoulder turn I need to maintain this one plane angle with a full golf swing. Instead, my left shoulder would drop slightly, and my head would also drop, during the back swing. As a result, I was not making the full shoulder turn that would allow me to swing the club on the consistent shaft angle that Hank indicates will lead to more consistent ball striking. Instead, the angle of my club shaft would at times be too flat or too steep, and ultimately I would need to have exceptional timing to hit the ball straighter.
I’ve stated in a previous article that flexibility is more important than strength for initially trying to add distance to your golf game. In trying to make the fuller shoulder turn that Hank was making me do during my lesson, I realized that I probably need to work on stretching my upper body some more. I will note that I also have a bit of a neck issue related to a skiing wreck when I was a teenager. As such, this may limit how much of a turn I can ultimately make. The swing can still be effective if I must make only a three-quarter swing, and I can still generate power in other ways, but I will make a go out of trying to generate a full swing by increasing my flexibility.
Increased flexibility is so important to improving the golf swing, that even Charles Barkley is working on this as he works with Hank Haney in trying to solve his full swing yip problem. At the same time, he has lost 30 pounds as well. It is no secret now that fitness is one of the big keys to improving your golf game!
With that in mind, in the coming weeks, I will continue to focus my attention on stretching the upper body. Below are descriptions of the primary stretching exercises I will utilize in improving my flexibility. If you want to improve your golf game, I suggest you work on these simple exercises as well!
Back Stretch – Twist
Lay flat on your back, arms out to sides and palms down, with your knees bent and feet flat to the floor. Shift onto your left hip, keeping your back flat to the floor. Lower your knees to the left side, so that the left knee and thigh lay on the floor. Place your left hand on your right knee, and pull the right knee down to floor…at the same time your head should be turned to the right, facing your right hand. Hold for 30 seconds, then slowly switch positions to the other side.
Lying Down Shoulder Stretch
While sitting on the floor, legs stretched out front, and back straight, interlock your hands on the floor behind your back. Slide your feet forward as far as they will go, feeling the stretch in the front of the shoulders. Hold that position for 30 seconds.
Trunk Rotations
Hold a staff or a broomstick behind your neck, with your arms outstretched along the staff. At the golf course, you can do a version of this with your driver, with on hand on the grip, and the other down near the clubhead.
Standing with your feet shoulder width apart, slowly turn your body as far to the left as possible, hold for a second, then slowly twist to the right, as far as possible. Repeat 10 times to each side, and each time try to turn a little further.
Elbow Pull Shoulder Stretch
Standing with your feet shoulder width apart, or sitting in an upright position with your back straight, extend your left arm forward, reach under and slightly behind your left elbow with your right hand, then draw the left arm in toward your body and across to the right. You should feel this stretch in the back and side of your left deltoid muscle of the shoulder. Hold this stretch for 30 seconds, then perform this same stretch with the right shoulder.
Scott Cole
Hank has a specific golf swing theory that he is confident will allow the golfer to hit the nine main golf shots with consistency, at will. This includes the straight shot, with low, medium or high trajectory, a draw with these three trajectories, and a fade with these three trajectories. If a golfer can swing the golf club efficiently, he or she should feel comfortable hitting any one of these shots when the situation calls for it.
Hank’s theory is that the club shaft should maintain the same angle throughout the golf swing as its starting position at address. This is not the so-called one-plane golf swing. Hank dismisses that idea. However, he does suggest that there is one plane “angle” that the shaft should maintain, on different planes, throughout the golf swing.
Now, although I always felt I had a pretty good shoulder turn, my lesson with Hank indicated that I was not getting the full shoulder turn I need to maintain this one plane angle with a full golf swing. Instead, my left shoulder would drop slightly, and my head would also drop, during the back swing. As a result, I was not making the full shoulder turn that would allow me to swing the club on the consistent shaft angle that Hank indicates will lead to more consistent ball striking. Instead, the angle of my club shaft would at times be too flat or too steep, and ultimately I would need to have exceptional timing to hit the ball straighter.
I’ve stated in a previous article that flexibility is more important than strength for initially trying to add distance to your golf game. In trying to make the fuller shoulder turn that Hank was making me do during my lesson, I realized that I probably need to work on stretching my upper body some more. I will note that I also have a bit of a neck issue related to a skiing wreck when I was a teenager. As such, this may limit how much of a turn I can ultimately make. The swing can still be effective if I must make only a three-quarter swing, and I can still generate power in other ways, but I will make a go out of trying to generate a full swing by increasing my flexibility.
Increased flexibility is so important to improving the golf swing, that even Charles Barkley is working on this as he works with Hank Haney in trying to solve his full swing yip problem. At the same time, he has lost 30 pounds as well. It is no secret now that fitness is one of the big keys to improving your golf game!
With that in mind, in the coming weeks, I will continue to focus my attention on stretching the upper body. Below are descriptions of the primary stretching exercises I will utilize in improving my flexibility. If you want to improve your golf game, I suggest you work on these simple exercises as well!
Back Stretch – Twist
Lay flat on your back, arms out to sides and palms down, with your knees bent and feet flat to the floor. Shift onto your left hip, keeping your back flat to the floor. Lower your knees to the left side, so that the left knee and thigh lay on the floor. Place your left hand on your right knee, and pull the right knee down to floor…at the same time your head should be turned to the right, facing your right hand. Hold for 30 seconds, then slowly switch positions to the other side.
Lying Down Shoulder Stretch
While sitting on the floor, legs stretched out front, and back straight, interlock your hands on the floor behind your back. Slide your feet forward as far as they will go, feeling the stretch in the front of the shoulders. Hold that position for 30 seconds.
Trunk Rotations
Hold a staff or a broomstick behind your neck, with your arms outstretched along the staff. At the golf course, you can do a version of this with your driver, with on hand on the grip, and the other down near the clubhead.
Standing with your feet shoulder width apart, slowly turn your body as far to the left as possible, hold for a second, then slowly twist to the right, as far as possible. Repeat 10 times to each side, and each time try to turn a little further.
Elbow Pull Shoulder Stretch
Standing with your feet shoulder width apart, or sitting in an upright position with your back straight, extend your left arm forward, reach under and slightly behind your left elbow with your right hand, then draw the left arm in toward your body and across to the right. You should feel this stretch in the back and side of your left deltoid muscle of the shoulder. Hold this stretch for 30 seconds, then perform this same stretch with the right shoulder.
Scott Cole
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