The New Swing

A number of my readers ask questions from time to time about the differences between the new age swings of Tiger, Adam Scott and Aaron Baddeley compared to the old swings of any former champions.

In my eyes the fundamentals have not changed since Harry Vardon wrote his book in 1904. What has changed is the equipment, the general physiques of the population and the money played for by the top level players.

The equipment has improved to the point where the top player can make a ferocious swing at the ball knowing the clubface will return to where he wants it at impact because shaft torque (twisting) has been removed from the clubs they play with in recent times.

The aerodynamics of the ball has been improved to the extent that it self corrects in flight to some degree. It goes further, straighter and is far more consistent in performance. All of which breeds confidence and allows a more attacking attitude.

The physical characteristics of the population in all countries are bigger and stronger than in years gone by. Which, when combined with the prize money available, has created a scenario where the more naturally talented athletes amongst our children look seriously at golf as a career option instead of the other games which attracted them in years gone by. The big strong fast, co-ordinated athletes seldom considered golf in my day, it wasn’t ‘cool’. Now they flock to it.

I, too, think Adam, Aaron and to a lesser extent Tiger have technically excellent swings which should be used as images by any ‘young’ ambitious golfer who happens to built like a Greek god and who is prepared to embark on the physical regime that they undertake each day. One hour of stretching before they start their day, two hours in the gym working on specially designed programs. These guys are serious athletes who would not be out of place in any Olympic team.

The normal Joe who plays golf with a passion but still for fun has to be wary trying to copy what he sees Tiger doing unless he can also copy Tiger’s body. My advice is to stick to the fundamentals outlined in the weekly tips. Revisit the early ones, they are all available on the webpage, and I will be surprised if they don’t help you to improve on a continuous basis.