When you think back about the greats in golf’s past like Ben
Hogan, Sam Sneed, Gene Sarazen, Byron Nelson (who won 11
tournaments in a row) and many more they had one great difference
from all of today’s golfers. What is that difference? None of them
were taught how to golf, they all learned by watching the golfers
they were caddying for. They copied the swings they saw. They would
spend hour after hour on the range between loops imitating the
swings they saw. The great teachers as part of the learning of the
game came later. To be honest, most of them couldn’t have afforded
a lesson even if there were great teachers around in their
youth.
When you think back about the greats in golf’s past like Ben Hogan, Sam Sneed, Gene Sarazen, Byron Nelson (who won 11 tournaments in a row) and many more they had one great difference from all of today’s golfers. What is that difference? None of them were taught how to golf, they all learned by watching the golfers they were caddying for. They copied the swings they saw. They would spend hour after hour on the range between loops imitating the swings they saw. The great teachers as part of the learning of the game came later. To be honest, most of them couldn’t have afforded a lesson even if there were great teachers around in their youth.
Today, there are great teachers in almost every country in the world that considers golf a sport. If they don’t have teachers, teachers from other countries will visit and put on clinics and seminars for their golfers. Golfers are all part of the same family and family always wants to see family do well.
However, with all the advances we have in teaching golf, the art of learning with our eyes is almost forgotten. I have many students that want a swing like Tiger’s or Phil’s, and I can teach them the mechanics of those swings, but sometimes that can be like describing an elephant to a blind man. There are a lot of parts to an elephant and it can be hard to put it all together when you’re done.
So the next time you are watching a golf tournament (record it if it is on TV) watch what you see your favorite golfer doing. I don’t mean watch it once and head down to the range, but study it, take some notes to take with you when you do go to the range to work on it. One of the best young golfers I know, Ryan Slater who at 6 could hit a ball 100 yards, copied what he saw golfers do on TV before he ever had a lesson. He learned with his eyes; I think we could all take a lesson from him.
Just a reminder – any police officer, firefighter or active military personnel can play Eagle Ridge GC Monday through Thursday for half price, so please come see us. Have any golf related questions? From rules to club fitting you can call me at 408-846-4531 or e-mail me at
sk*****@ea**********.com
. If you would like to read some of my past tips, you can do so at www.pinnaclenews.com. And don’t forget, if you’re not having fun playing golf call your local PGA or LPGA instructor; we will help. Golf is more fun when you’re improving. Don’t be afraid to be good.
