not the best example, but this is prolly my fav swing sequence.

while five lessons gave me a foundation, i feel i became a better ballstriker once i started learning more about nicklaus and trevino, even tho they had completely different styles. both had “errors” in their swings (like hogan, snead, nelson, etc) but it was about building their swing around a solid set of fundamentals and making all those parts work in perfect harmony.

trevino especially, i really enjoy studying, because that clubface is just so incredibly solid throughout the swing…it’s incredible. i try to hit my full and 3/4 wedges like he does and it’s very consistent and accurate.

but being tall-er and lanky (fuck you, rex), my swing aint gonna look like trevino or hogan’s EVER. but the principles are solid…just gotta practice your ass off.

i view them more as principles for figuring it out yourself and less as a roadmap. but i hear what you’re saying…seen all those criticisms as well as some others before and they’re all valid.

Exactly my approach. The fundamentals were critical guidelines for me; plane, sequence, mechanical shit like the full swing arc concept and keeping the bent elbow tucked, etc

but what it taught me was how all the different parts of the swing work together, something hard to find outside of getting a teacher. the grip and stance, and proper sequence. the rest is practice, and, even after two years, see new things to refine every day. it takes a long ass time.

i think the illustrations for his setup , release and flat left wrist at impact are all great places to start. and that when you practice you’ll adjust to fit your own swing.

i view them more as principles for figuring it out yourself and less as a roadmap. but i hear what you’re saying…seen all those criticisms as well as some others before and they’re all valid.

all comes down to practice and knowing how to get yourself in the proper sequence.

I’m not a student of the swing, in the sense that I haven’t thoroughly researched other philosophies enough to compare. I’m curious what specific grip, stance/posture, and backswing flaws you’re alluding to?

Golfercraig, what specifically do you dislike about the Hogan swing?

Do you mean his actual swing, or what’s in the book? Because they are 2 very different things. And which swing? That book is a freaking travesty. I had the honor of spending hundreds of hours with Mr. Hogan at Shady Oaks. Hell, my son’s name is Hogan. You should have heard him talk derisively about that book. He HATED it. He knew it was wrong. The “high right hip” is the easiest way to become even worse. Some of his “thoughts” (which weren’t even his) were a by product of a non-golfer trying to describe what they saw without seeing the linkage, and thinking that every thing that happened was on purpose. The fact is, a lot of it was being done ONLY BECAUSE SOMETHING ELSE HAD BEEN DONE INCORRECTLY, and the “move” being described was nothing but a by-product, and fix, made over thousands of hours hitting balls. The weight shift, most importantly, was done due to the high right hip. It was NEVER meant to be a standalone move, or thought. It should NEVER try to be emulated unless you have the other setup flaws he had, which were caused by almost dying in an accident.

No. You can get the book all you want, but unless you are 5’5″, and willing to hit 1000 balls a day, and are fighting hooks (real hooks, not the over the top pull yank with a shut face that your buddy told you would help your slice that most beginner’s call a “hook”) that book sucks balls. Get some lessons, and some video of your swing.

I am 6ft and never hit a hook, yet the Hogan book worked wonders for me

GOOD GOLF BEGINS WITH A GOOD GRIP. This statement, I realize, packs as much explosive punch as announcing the startling fact that the battery in baseball is composed of a pitcher and a catcher. Moreover, for most golfers the grip is the drabbest part of the swing.

what’s funny about that first chapter is that it will help so much more than you realize. the nice part about it is that you can work on it in the house, car, wherever pretty much.

Mizerle, I’d recommend the Hogan book over lessons. A lot cheaper, and it’s a reference you’ll always have.

seconded…i think youd dig it, being an engineer and all that.

No. You can get the book all you want, but unless you are 5’5″, and willing to hit 1000 balls a day, and are fighting hooks (real hooks, not the over the top pull yank with a shut face that your buddy told you would help your slice that most beginner’s call a “hook”) that book sucks balls. Get some lessons, and some video of your swing.

Read an Excerpt

Chapter 1

The Grip

GOOD GOLF BEGINS WITH A GOOD GRIP. This statement, I realize, packs as much explosive punch as announcing the startling fact that the battery in baseball is composed of a pitcher and a catcher. Moreover, for most golfers the grip is the drabbest part of the swing.

looks like I need to grab a dictionary too.

video camera? am I videoing my swing?

I do. My phone camera works well enough

Yes. That and a camera, and you’re all set

video camera? am I videoing my swing?

this is? I’ll pick it up.

Yes. That and a camera, and you’re all set

Mizerle, I’d recommend the Hogan book over lessons. A lot cheaper, and it’s a reference you’ll always have.

seconded…i think youd dig it, being an engineer and all that.

this is? I’ll pick it up.

i dont mind the winters…we have a few indoor/covered ranges and i like that you can work on mechanics without a ball. figure im good as long as i dont lose the callouses on my hands.

I need to start going to one of these places. Even once a week would be an upgrade, just to avoid the ridiculous rust I have to shake off every spring