Lead With Your Hands Using Set-Up Alone
Lee Trevino is the best ball-striker of all time. He didn’t take much time, and he didn’t stop talking until seconds before he drew it back. But, we knew where his ball was going, just like he did. We knew the same of Hogan, Nelson, Kite… line ‘em up. What is it about Texas that produces great ball-strikers?
Certainly, hitting the ball low is a common thread with all Texas Twisters. Texan Rex Baxter, as a high schooler, was Hogan’s favorite exhibition partner. The Hawk was regarded as the best of his time, and yet he admired Rexy’s game because Baxter pierced his West Texas winds from wedge to wood.
Piercing golf shots are particularly effective in high winds, which Texas provides. In fact, most of the plains offer similar conditions. Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma have all turned out some ball-striking savants. But, is it genius, or did these fellas simply adapt to their environment with a goal in mind? They must have intended something specific with their ball, right?
Spin is the enemy when the wind is up. All great ball-strikers have to keep the ball at an optimal trajectory to get both distance, accuracy, and predictability. So, ask yourself, what impact position provides insurance that all three conditions are met?
We know lower-lofted club’s impart less spin, so these guys have to take loft off their clubs with motion. And yet, they all do so with completely unique moves. What, therefore, is the common link in all their impact positions? They all lead with their hands. Their hands were ahead of the ball at impact.
Whether ahead of the ball using a target-line or a toe-line definition I will reserve for another day. However, along one frame of reference or both, golfers who lead impact with their handle strike their ball better than anyone else. It’s why I don’t pontificate about needing to set up open to play good golf. People can set up closed and play well – provided they lead with their hands through impact.
It’s just that a closed set-up and optimal impact position rarely find one another, because it’s Physically more difficult to achieve our original three conditions. Although possible, golfers have to try to violate the Laws of Physics, biomechanical efficiency, and physiological integrity to effectively manage impact. Though, maybe you prefer to walk around the block to visit your next-door neighbor. I’m just more of a – ‘take a left at my mailbox, and another at my neighbor’s’ – kind of person.
Anyway, this post got away from me. I’ll just suggest you watch my original Open Stance explanation from 2013, and direct your attention to impact. The point of this post is to say, Lee Trevino is the best, Hogan is second, JW is third.
Open your stance, and play golf.
John Wright – Founder The Open Stance Academy
https://www.openstanceacademy.com/golf/why-we-dont-cut-steak-with-spoon/
https://www.openstanceacademy.com/golf/questions-you-should-ask-before-judging-golf-swing/
https://www.openstanceacademy.com/golf/worlds-best-club-fitter/