They said “Open Stance”! It’s a Miracle! Roger Maltby, or another President’s Cup commentator, announced how encouraged he was that one of the players on the US side utilized an Open Stance in a successful bunker shot (Max Homa). He said, ‘He was set up open, which is nice to see.’ I couldn’t believe my ears! They finally okayed its use. WHAT IS THE WORLD COMING TO!? I’ll tell you what it means…. They’re all coming home, that’s what.
It was only a matter of time. Though my goal was never to introduce nomenclature or word-smithery, efficiency of language alone requires the easiest possible way to say something. For the better part of a decade, NO ONE uttered the words “Open Stance” on network television. It really started to bother me – not because what they were saying was incorrect, but rather because their terminology was so inefficient, especially considering an existing term, which commentators refused to use, already existed.
Hopefully, we are collectively past the verbose phase of golf commentary. After all, using “Open” as a set-up description applies both to right and left-handed golfers. “Open” describes a set-up and, therefore, takes far less time to say than “aiming left” or “aiming right”.
Inevitably, the commentator has to remind the viewer that the ultimate target is still the desired destination. And, their expanded description assumes they don’t stumble over their words trying to remind themselves of each golfer’s dexterity before they speak. No, no, no… it’s too much work.
Better to use the same efficiency philosophy upon which The Open Stance Academy was founded. However, The Open Stance Academy does not own the words Open Stance. At least, I’d never make that claim. My dad taught me using that term. I teach my students using that term. It’s easier. The only distinction I draw between the term and the promoter is their knowledge about the golf swing and the secret in the Open Stance.
Yours truly is the World’s foremost proprietor of Open Stance learning. I am the original. I am the only. Furthermore, those thinking they have the knowledge to purvey themselves as a like guru is provably deficient. However, if you believe I’m wrong, I’d be happy to debate you and any other intellect you’d like to bring with you in a public forum at a time or place of your choosing. Thanks to advances in recording devices and social media, I doubt anyone will step to the plate. But, here’s to hoping someone does.
John Wright – Founder
The Open Stance Academy
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