I was recently considering the connection between String Theory and our golf swing. String Theory has to do with gravity, forces, as well as movement and collisions. Then, I got tired of reading, because we have been discussing the same dynamic in our golf swings. Need, mind, body, motion, swing, and collisions also make up a string of a different kind – a progression.
A progression describes a process rather than a (String Theory) particle. However, pursuing String Theory and perfect impact do involve the same mental processes – although in reverse order. Golfers take a Need, turn it into motion, and then prove it with science. String Theorists take science, assume motion, then try to prove their conclusions. Ha, ha, ha… silly scientists!
For fifty years, golfers have ascribed greater human good from pursuing art than science. Science proves action. Art is more abstract and subjective and, therefore, easier to sell. After all, profits increase when we create maximum combinations and permutations of one idea. Proofs and cures are bo-ring.
Homer Kelley was in position to separate golfers from one another using scientific dogmatism in order to create maximum, artistic commerce. Consequently, we were sold on the idea that we are all different in every way. And, therefore, any old way we wanted to set up and swing was fine, as long as we express our individualism. Once we believed our way was as good as any other, an industry emerged.
Advertising created Need and dissatisfaction by showing us what we didn’t have yet. Our misdirection created more niches, tastes, and subcultures – all with different modes, mores, and proclivities. The issue, in my lifetime, is that we started using science as a paper hammer to eliminate further discussion or consideration of truth.
Before you think this is getting too deep, consider what you do for a living. Ask yourself if basic human Need or the Need of consumerism supports your income. I freely admit that what I do for a living is based on consumerism.
Mr. Kelley started our tailspin. The Golfing Machine is the golfers’ ‘String Theory’. T.G.M. was so complicated that we stopped questioning Kelley’s precepts, or assumptions. Instead, we took his explanation as a given, and beyond our willingness to question. We were essentially intimidated into instruction. We have witnessed innumerable swing explanations with different images, names, and catch-phrases. You could say, thanks to him, ‘Swing Theory’ was born.
Today, by emphasizing a simple set-up bias, I am teaching our way out of the abyss. My recommended bias develops efficient movement by engendering swing change using our individual, ‘artistic’ differences. Our mind-body relationship determines our adaptive art-form. Therefore, I confidently recommend employing the same, scientifically-explained vehicle to every able-bodied golfer.
My work assumes golfers want to reach the same, precise goal of pure and powerful impact. So….
Open your stance, and play golf.
John Wright – Founder The Open Stance Academy
Why An Open Stance Wins The Set-Up Debate
Why “Hitting Down On The Ball” Is So Important
Concentrating On Set-Up Is Difficult At First, But Pays Off Big Time