Bobby Jones' Swing

It's interesting, at least to me, that we tend to study the swings of the great players in order to hopefully improve our own.  It is natural to want to imitate our favourite player's swing.  The problem comes, however, when we don't necessarily appreciate what it is we should be looking at, and what it is we should be trying to imitate.  For instance, a swing like Bubba Watson's, or Rory McIlroy's, should probably come with a warning that says, "Do Not Try This at Home."  These top players tend to be gifted athletes who have developed their own action after hitting thousands of balls.  But that is not to say that the great swings aren't worthy of being studied, if not actually imitated.

I must say, when watching video of Bobby Jones' swing--and admittedly I haven't watched all that much--I don't see a swing likely to be ever imitated, or seen again for that matter. 

This is certainly not because it was a mechanically unsound swing.  Obviously, it must have been a very good swing.  But, as the equipment has changed and players have become bigger and stronger, and instruction has become somewhat more advanced thanks to the assistance of technology, the golf swing has evolved and looks quite different from the swing Bobby used to win an almost unbelievable 62 percent of the Major Championships he entered over an eight year period prior to his retirement at 28.

Bobby's swing, like all good swings, relied on timing and rhythm.  Because it was a long swing, with plenty of moving parts, one might argue that timing and rhythm was very important to his success.  And Jones always favoured a long swing, not only for himself, but especially for amateurs.  Nowadays, there seems to generally be a move towards a shorter swing, with fewer moving parts.  After all, for the majority of us, particularly those of us who might not be physically gifted, there is probably less that can go wrong with a more compact, efficient swing; provided that is that shortening our swing doesn't affect our rhythm.  The fact is, so long as humans are designed as they are, as Bobby Jones aptly pointed out, the essence of a good swing will remain the same.  In golf there really never will be something that is truly "new."  The more things change, the more they remain the same.

I am already saying too much.  In my mind, the less a mug like me says, the better.  I prefer to pass along the wisdom of the great players and teachers.  However, in this article we will see what Bobby had to teach about rhythm and timing in his book Golf is my Game; and see that he actually quoted from a writer who called himself "the Roving Player."  So, occasionally, it appears a lowly roving player can write something worth reading and even repeating.  

About the swing, and rhythm and timing, Bobby wrote: "Since the immediate purpose is to provide a broad, general appreciation of the golf swing as a whole, I think it may be helpful and perhaps add conviction if I quote impressions of other writers, going back to the beginning of the century, and add a very emphatic declaration on my own part that nothing in modern-day golf has operated, or can operate, in any manner to affect the validity of these descriptions.

  Beginning in the middle, I shall quote first a description of my own method, written in 1927 by a writer who signed himself 'A Roving Player'... I present it as a very good description, if not of my own swing, certainly of that for which I strove, and one which I recommend without qualification.

  'St Andrews' people, who have golf in their very blood, are shrewd judges of players, and in Mr. Jones they see one who is a purist as regards style and method.  They are elusive because no other player has been able to copy them.  I have met golfers from all parts of the world, but none, for example, stands with feet so close together or quite so near the ball.  The effectiveness of the method is perhaps due to the fact that it is essentially natural.  Mr. Jones stands to the ball just as if he were engaged in ordinary conversation.  There is no straddling of legs, no tying of the muscles into a knot, no extravagant poses, nothing to suggest he is thinking of or doing anything in particular.  The clubhead is placed at the back of the ball, and the swing commences, so slowly in fact as to suggest that it is indolent.  Of the millions of golfers in the world, I do not suppose there is another who swings the club back so smoothly or so sweetly.  It is the very poetry of motion.

  But there is nothing indolent about the downswing.  The suggestion it gives of power, speed and momentum is majestic, while the quality of the blow itself suggests the force of an explosion.  It is not a blow in the sense that immediately it takes place it is over and done with.  There is the glorious follow-through, with the clubhead finishing around the neck and the hands high up.  These are things that denote the master golfer and in giving expression to them in a way that reveals the touch of genius, Mr. Jones has become the idol of St. Andrews....'"

Bobby goes on to write:  "The other quote I mentioned, written in 1903, was used in an article I myself wrote in July 1932.  In order to reveal my thinking on the subject at the time, I am going to set down here the quote from my own article.  It was as follows: 'I have chanced upon a thing written by Harold Hilton in 1903 which so closely parallels what I myself have written and said so many times that the similarity is startling.  A comparison of this and present-day utterances on the subject shows that the rhythm of the well-timed swing has not been altered much through the change of implements and balls.

  Mr. Hilton wrote of S. Mure Fergusson, one of the long drivers of that era:

  'On the upward swing, Mr. Fergusson always appears to take the club up in a most leisurely and deliberate fashion, and maintains this leisurely method at the beginning of the downswing; in fact, he always appears to be swinging slowly and well within himself, and this probably accounts for the fine, free action of the body when following through; but by the length of ball he drives, it is manifest that the clubhead must be travelling fast when it reaches the ball.'

  Of this passage, the most important part is to be found in the statement that Mr. Fergusson 'maintains this leisurely method at the beginning of the downward swing.'  We hear 'slow back' on every side, but 'slow back' is not enough.  There are numbers of players who are able to restrain their impulses to this extent, but who, once back, literally pounce upon the ball with uncontrolled fury.  It is the leisurely start downward which provides for a gradual increase of speed without disturbing the balance and timing of the swing. 

 The steel shaft has made it possible to produce a golf club that is better balanced, and hence more easily manipulated.  It is, therefore, possible that in the hands of a competent player it can be swung somewhat more rapidly without sacrifice of control.  Nevertheless, the inexpert player or average golfer will still do well to take to heart the descriptions quoted above.  Let him always strive for rhythm and make certain that both backswing and the start downwards are made at a leisurely pace.  And let the player always swing the club back far enough so that there will be plenty of space and time for the clubhead to gain speed between the top of the swing and contact with the ball."

That is what, it seems to me, we see and appreciate in the great swings.  Some swings have a faster tempo than others, but all good swings look leisurely.  There is never any rush.  You don't see good players snatching the club back, or lunging at the ball from the top.  They aren't in any hurry.  After all, the ball isn't going anywhere. It's relatively easy to take the club back slowly, and smoothly.  As Bobby said, many golfers have mastered that part of the swing.  But it's the change of direction, or the move from the top, where most swings, including my own, are likely to seriously go wrong.  

What? No Detractors?

Jordan Spieth claimed another title in grand style yesterday.  It was really never in doubt.  In that respect, it was not as exciting as it might have been had he been seriously challenged.  

Jordan blew away the field by eight shots.  This was a quality field.  The only two top players that were missing were McIlroy and Stenson.  Okay Phil and Tiger weren't there, but they have not really been in the conversation since Spieth has hit his stride.

This kid is just such a breath of fresh air.  People are running out of superlatives to describe, not only his play, but his demeanour on and off the course.  He hasn't set a foot wrong in an age where all eyes are on you and critics abound.  No one is perfect.  But this kid is certainly very special.

There was a picture posted on Facebook with Jordan and his parents; his sister Ellie snuggled under Jordan's one arm holding the trophy, and a lovely young lady under his other arm, presumably Jordan's sweetheart.  I decided to troll through the comments looking for at least one negative remark.  I couldn't find even one in this cynical age.  It almost makes me want to break out in song.  It almost makes me want to sing God Bless America and I'm not even an American!

This kid just can't be this great, can he?  I certainly hope so.  How can you not just love this kid?

Advice for Jordan Spieth

One of the strange things I've noticed is that when a new kid suddenly becomes the best player in the world, people suddenly come out of the woodwork to offer him advice.  It's really quite odd, when you think about it.

After all, if the kid has made it to number one, why should anyone think he needs more advice?  Obviously, he's already figured things out pretty well.  I see it now with Jordan Spieth.  Among other things, in last night's press conference, they asked him whether he'd sought the advice of Tiger Woods in order to figure out how to stay number one for a long time.  I liked his response.  He indicated that he had not sought out advice from Tiger, Phil, or any of the other players.  He figured that if he just keeps winning, number one will take care of itself.  It's hard to argue with that sort of logic.

Right now, at least, Jordan is sticking with the team that helped get him there.  I think that's just wonderful.  But, as an interested party, who hopes to continue to see great things from him, I can't resist offering some more unsolicited advice.  Actually, it's not advice, as much as a request.  

My advice/requests are as follows:

1.  Please don't listen to unsolicited advice; whether it's well-meaning or not.

2.  No matter how much they offer you, please don't sign with Nike.

3.  You've suggested you are working out in order to get stronger, and hopefully longer.  Please don't become a gym rat, or hurt yourself by over-training.  You're obviously plenty long enough.

4.  Please, just keep doing whatever it is you are doing.  Because, whatever it is, it sure as hell works!

He's Just Not Supposed to Do This

If there was any concern about whether Jordan Spieth might experience a letdown after his phenomenal year in 2015--and apparently there was--I think he has pretty much provided the answer; or at least given the strong indication that it will be business as usual this year.  

I read an article a week or so ago that quoted Rory McIlroy as saying that history suggests Spieth will not win any Majors this year.  Another article cited the fact that none of the experts queried were picking Spieth to have another big year, once again talking about history supporting their position.

It appears, however, while it's admittedly very early days, that young Mr. Spieth is not bound by history, or what others have done before him.  He seems intent on adding his name, in a big way, to the history books.  He doesn't seem to realize that he's not supposed to keep playing this well.  

He just shouldn't be doing this.  He's an expert's nightmare, because what he does, and how he does it, is rather difficult to explain.  The fact is, despite not having great power, or textbook technique, he just plays better than everyone else.  He gets the ball in the hole in fewer strokes than everyone else; not necessarily looking pretty while doing so.  And that, my friends, is really what golf is all about.

He's apparently just not long enough to dominate in what is supposedly now a power game.  I believe he is currently only the best at one thing--making putts from 20 to 25 feet. I hear he made a whopping 33 percent of them last year.  It's hard to imagine.  It's hard to believe.  But I heard it on Golfchannel, so it must be true.  I don't think Tiger even came close to doing that.  Neither did Jack.  Spieth's admittedly not that great with his wedges, and he admits that he needs to put more work into his chipping.  But when you are holing putts from 20 feet with regularity, I guess you can probably cut yourself a bit of slack as far as your wedge game is concerned.

The really scary thing is this kid is likely to only get better.  He can improve his physical game in a number of areas.  If he stays healthy, and doesn't mess with his swing trying to get longer--which he has said he won't do--this kid looks to be on his way to becoming one of the best we've ever seen.

And, while doing this, he low-fives the fans on the way from greens to the next tee.  He cheerfully signs autographs and mingles with the fans.  He gives lengthy, open, and honest press conferences.  He can be heard congratulating his playing partners on their good shots.  He even provides us with a play-by-play as he talks with his caddy about what he wants to do, or what he failed to do, or what he was thinking.  And he doesn't seem to understand that he's not supposed to be doing this.  He just isn't supposed to be this good, is he?

It is early days.  But, heading into tomorrow's final round with a five shot lead, it certainly appears that, barring a phenomenal round by one of the chasers, or a sudden letdown, Jordan Spieth is headed for another compelling win.  And is there anyone out there who has a problem with that?  Perhaps the guys he's beating like a drum, but surely not the fans.

No Respect

The tournament directors, and/or organizers apparently have some explaining to do, not featuring Patrick Reed, the defending champion, on any of their marquees.  Whether this slight was intentional or not, with a guy like Reed, this had to serve as some extra motivation this week.

Sure enough, Reed went out and produced the round of the day, making eagle on the last hole to seize a one shot lead from, who else, his playing partner, Jordan Spieth.  Reed is not exactly poster-boy material.  He doesn't sport a winning smile, or have a particularly endearing way about him, but he can flat out play.  The message sent by him today might have been, beware of the cheesed-off golfer.

As for Spieth, what can you say?  He just goes out there and makes a score.  You watch him and, other than making putts, you can't figure out how he can hit the ball the way he does and keep himself at the top of the leaderboard.  He just shouldn't be as good as he is.  In that field of 32, there has to be at least twenty guys who hit it as well, or better, than Jordan Spieth.  And yet, other than Patrick Reed, he outplayed them all.

As his university coach pointed out, in a state that has produced some great champions over the years, Spieth is the only one to have won three straight Texas State High School championships.  He is just that special a player.  And success at a young age is apparently a huge predictor of future success.  He may not be the best in any statistical category, except perhaps putts made from fifteen to twenty feet, but he has "it."  He is the best player--the best competitor--in the game today.  

There has been a lot of talk about Jordan being, statistically-speaking, unlikely to follow his phenomenal 2015 season with another great season.  Unfortunately, what the experts and the armchair prognosticators can't take into account is this kid's desire.  He has no quit in him.  He's like the fighter who won't stay down.  It may not always be pretty to watch, but he's going to, no matter what happens, keep trying to find a way to beat you.  That's something you simply can't teach.

As for Patrick Reed; he just can't get no respect.

Sweet Swingers

I've been watching the South African Open, one of golf's oldest events.  That small country has produced some wonderful players, and some sweet swingers.

Of course, there is Ernie Els, the Big Easy, who, for a big man, looks about as graceful as anyone with a club in his hands.  Then there is Retief Goosen.  The Goose has always been one of my favourites--and that swing is about as sweet, and simple, as any I've ever seen.

Then you have Trevor Immelman, who has been pretty much conspicuous by his absence from leaderboards because of injury, but who has a swing to die for.  I like Richard Sterne's swing as well.  Simple, powerful swings for men of smaller stature.  And speaking of men of smaller stature, who has a sweeter swing than Louis Oosthuizen?  King Louis makes it look awfully easy.

And what about Charl Schwarzel?  Not much to go wrong with that action.  I'll tell you, when I watch these South Africans swing, I wonder whether there's something in the water down there.  And then there's Branden Grace and Jaco Van Zyl who are seemingly ready to move up to the next level.  Oh, and don't forget...

And So It Begins

Finally; the new season really begins.  With the whole wrap-around season thing, I guess it really isn't the start of anything, other than the boys getting back at it after some rest and relaxation over the holidays.  Actually, for me, the new season will really begin at Augusta in April with my favourite tournament--at least my favourite when the Open isn't at St Andrews-- begins and the snow has hopefully melted from my door.

The Masters really signals the start of a new year for us Canadian boys, especially if, like this year for me, we haven't managed to go South for the winter.  But, until then, we will be treated to some great golf.  This week's tournament at Kapalua promises to be a good one, as it generally is, because the course is terrific, and the field is composed of winners; many of whom want nothing more than to start their year off by making a statement with a win.

Garnering most of the attention, leading up to the first tee shot today, have been Spieth, McIlroy, Day, and Fowler.  They are the young guns who move the needle these days.  And they've certainly demonstrated, beyond any doubt, that they are worthy of the attention.  If it's true that golf has never been more competitive, and the fields have never been stronger--and I think it's safe to say that it is--these young men have stepped up and delivered in a big way.

The question now will be: will it continue?  I think the answer is an emphatic yes.  In golf, nothing succeeds like success.  Therefore, as long as they remain hungry--and don't make too many changes, swing, or otherwise--I think it is safe to say that the big 3--or will it be 4?--will get most of the ink, and much of the hardware.

But there are some other guys to watch.  There are some new kids who look like they are more than willing and able to step up if the Fab Three/Four get complacent.  I don't know about all of them, but I don't see complacency as being an issue for my man Spieth.  I also think Rickie is going to be a man on a mission; and if Jason Day is now ready, and has a new set of goals, after achieving his Major win and number one in the world--at least for a week or two--we are in for another cracking good year.

And all this without mentioning Tiger.  Whoops; I just couldn't resist, in deference to all those folk out there who still think golf is boring without the big cat. I have suggested that Tiger will tee it up at Augusta.  After all, why the heck wouldn't he?