When You Change Your Movement, You Change Your Ball Position: The Interview
K: I just watched a video of Hank Haney.
JW: Yeah? How’d that go for ya?
K: I thought it was good. But, I have some questions.
JW: OK.
K: He went through the rule of threes, which was understood. He talked about ball flight with path and clubface combinations, which was understood. In fact, everything he said – I understood.
JW: That doesn’t seem to leave you much room for wondering, does it?
K: I’m getting to that. I realized I understood all that because I already knew it. So, my questions started to form. Then, I started listening for any reference to set-up, the feet, and how set-up affects the swing. He didn’t mention any of that.
JW: Sure. Let me guess…. he just talked about motion.
K: YEAH! That’s exactly what he talked about!
JW: And, you were surprised?
K: Well, I’ll get to my questions. First, why do you think he didn’t discuss set-up?
JW: Because Haney is from the old school of instruction, most likely. That means he may not have ever considered the human, adaptive element in a golf swing. I don’t think old-school instructors mislead people on purpose. They just learned that keeping it simple made it easier to work less and make more.
K: And, you don’t agree with that philosophy?
JW: HA! You managed to crack my code. Naw, it just strikes me as a half-assed approach to making a living as an expert on the golf swing.
K: You always talk about the influence of the set-up on the swing. What could Haney have covered in his movement clinic?
JW: Well, if he talks about changing movement without talking set-up orientation, he should talk about the way the ball changes relative position with different club paths. But that would, most likely, lead to audience questions about set-up. Maybe he couldn’t risk it.
K: Maybe. He does seems to know some Physics and measurement of ball flight and swing principles, though. And, he was engaging. Is that enough to be known as a great golf instructor these days?
JW: It’s is for he, Ledbetter, McLean, Breed and those guys. But, my personality isn’t as palatable as theirs. I think of them as entertainers. My personality is more of an acquired taste. Therefore, I have to teach with knowledge instead of instruct with personality.
K: I can see that.
JW: (With a laugh) Geez, thanks a lot. No, I’d guess I’m a little more serious… thoughtful, maybe.
K: No, I really mean to compliment your hard work. You’re the only true teacher I know, and perhaps the only teacher who knows the inter-disciplinary progression of the golf swing. My game is testament to your work. I know for the rest of my life, I’ll never set up anything but open.
JW: Nor should you.
The Open Stance Academy
