The Modern Golf Swing

The Misleading Modern Golf Swing

The phrase: The Modern Golf Swing has been used on more than one occasion during the season, usually in response to a spectacular shot from some extraordinarily pleasing swing such as a Charles Schwartzel or a Justin Rose; however, I feel that this remark could be quit misleading. The reason is that this comment comes with an implied that the golf swing should have a preferred look and motion, that it has arrived at some evolved state with both its appearance and function, one that all should copy. 

Copying The Professionals Modern Golf Swing

On occasion I have seen golfers trying to swing like their favorite player, maybe an Ernie Els, Justin Rose or Tiger Woods. Also I have seen golfers being taught the same set of fundaments and swing concepts. A one size fits all program and that by achieving a collection of perfect or preferred positions and a certain look results in some magic elixir of golf. The problem with this is that we all can't do this. After all is this not also saying that a JIm Furyk, a Tommy Two Gloves or a Ryan Moore, who by the way has won recently, should not be playing at a world class level.

It seems to me that we as golfers need to get past the preferred, both with the look of the swing and where we feel the club should be during the swing itself.

Many times i have been asked if I have a favorite golf swing and my answer is always the same: I don't. If I did have a preferred I would be instantly pinning what I teach based on a specific swing or swing concept and this I absolutely do not do. All swings in their own way are completely unique. Each individual possesses their own set of biomechanical needs and requirements and these are what need to be matched. Is that not our objective with every swing? Said another way one should never sacrifice function for a preferred appearance or position. In reality all golf swings, both in the setup and swinging motion, facilitate or offset what the body can and connot do. That is why they are all different. So as Arnold Palmer would say: "Swing your swing."