I think his win at Shinnacock demonstrates that if the course is set up as a true test of skill everybody long and short hitters can win but if you set the course up for the bombers at 8000 yds long with wide open fairways it reduces potential winners, it’s about controlling the ball not a long hitting competition.
I had the opportunity to watch Cory warm up on the range at the 3M Open in Minneapolis, when it was a regular event on the Champions Tour. I, too thought he had a great swing. I admired it for it’s simplicity and lack of any unnecessary movement. It’s a very efficient, repeatable swing. Now about that splayed lead foot: if you’ve ever watched him walk, that’s a natural position for him. His left foot, and to a lesser degree, his right foot, are both natural splayed. His feet don’t naturally point straight ahead of him when he walks. If I could have a tour player’s swing, it would be his, because it’s so repeatable, compact and efficient. Great video and analysis.
For Christo or anyone else: To play great golf, have a "theory" on everything -- a "main idea." And then stick to it, and don't let your ego get the better of you. I 30+ years ago took up golf at 21, and before I was 22 I shot 71 at a par 72 golf course from the blue tees -- the Montebello Golf Course in L.A. County, CA -- about 6,700 yards if I recall, and very hilly. But I had read a LOT of books on golf, watched a LOT of videos, looked at LOTS of pictures, applied what I knew about tennis (from the book the inner game of tennis), and, well, I practiced a lot -- spent all day on the golf courses some days, practicing for hours before I'd play twilight rate. I started out talking to people that seemed to know what they were doing, and soon enough I developed a "main theory" for everything, from the driver to the putter. My golf mechanics were less sophisticated than what I have now, but, I had developed enough of a mechanics theory that with a young strong body I could make a good predictable swing happen about every time. Now I need a "perfect swing" to get things done -- predictable and easy on the body, or else my body will get hurt. And, as my own continued study of the game revealed to me, a swing can get really very "efficient," even effortless. I can hit hundreds and hundreds of balls, at the range, and with quite a few practice swings thrown in there, no problem. I could hit balls all day! Talk to any pro golfer and I would bet they could tell you the same thing; that they have a theory and they stick to it. (And they probably feel they've perfected their swings.) Now my confession, and an observation. I do such "little-bit of early extension" move as discussed here, my bum coming away from the bum line (as drawn here). I'd have to say my swing is very much like Mr. Pavin's here. AT ANY RATE, I like that little bit of "early extension" because my balance point is over my right toe. I have my weight back balancing over the whole foot, and maybe even toward the heels in the backswing, but coming down and as the clubhead gets to the 8 O'Clock position my weight is out to the right toe and back toward the left heel outside of the left foot (and I swing right handed). The right toe becomes a "fulcrum point" or a "brace point" in the later stages of the downswing. And I am somewhat long waisted, so my back just cannot stay so bent over that I can keep my bum back on that line -- not with comfort anyway. So what I do is allow my hips to slide under my chest a bit (from the point of view from behind), and you are calling that "early extension" here. I don't think it is, because it is intentional and under control, and I still have some bend over at the shoulders, back, and at the waist, just not as much as some of the guys with shorter backs (who can manage that more easily). I have that down to a regular move actually. So I would not classify that as "early extension." I don't think Corey Pavin would classify that as "early extension" either. I classify it as "balance" and "bracing." (But shove your hips too far forward too soon, well, that would be "early extension"... not the same thing.) One other thing I note here, as the video went on to Corey Pavin demonstrating "shaped" shots: Like Corey Pavin, to shape a shot I do change my stance, not my grip or changing the position of the club in my grip to get shape -- changing the stance creates a more open clubhead or more closed clubhead and so there's no need to regrip the club with an open or closed clubhead. (Someone tried to show me how to do that, and show me how to weaken my grip -- felt like crap, I hit the ball like crap... I think it is that maybe human wrists are built differently, one human vs. another, allowing for a weaker grip if you got those kinds of wrists, and I don't. And the fact is, I can only see one, maybe 2 knuckles on my left hand anyway, so....) ... So have a solid theory and apply that faithfully, and you should get better and better and better, and really fast. But if balls are still going all over the place, well, maybe you don't have a good theory... I had to hit a whole bunch of golf balls to develop my theory, which I stick with. Maybe best for folks that don't have the time to waste on the driving range to hook-up with a good teaching pro. But, all in all, you got to love the game, and not mind practicing at all (in fact, Love to practice, it is the best form of entertainment for my money), if you want to excel at the game. There is WAY more good information on golf out there than when I learned how to play, before the internet and UA-cam videos. But, I think, and unfortunately, there is WAY more bad information on golf out there too. I am a fan of Christo's videos because they are very analytical while still being comprehensible, and realistic too. And I would guess that because Christo had a struggle all the way to his present skill level, he can understand very well what the average golfer is dealing with to try to learn to play better, and maybe get his instruction across better than those "golden child" golf pros that had a golf club stuck in their hands since they were 7 or 8 years old and had pro golf lessons even beginning way back then in their lives -- those guys just aren't going to "get" the average golfer. I know a guy paying $150 per 1-hour lesson weekly, for the last 2 years, and he hasn't improved a bit. He'd be better of listening to me, for free, and going to the range a bit more... he won't. But he is doing one thing right, he's paying a pro to teach him. However, that particular pro just isn't getting the job done. I will say that he has his own ideas about how to play, and some of it is kooky. For example, he will hit a driver on a par 5-hole, and that's good, but his next shot will be like a 4 or 5 iron, so he can get like right at 100 yards out. I tell him to take a 3 wood and get as close as he can. He can hit out of the sand okay, and chip okay, why trust you are going to place the 100 yard wedge as close to the hole as you would with a chip shot? It's unrealistic, especially because there's no severe danger around these greens on these par-5 holes (well, for the most part anyway). So he really doesn't play his best shots to score well, but, then again, he's always played like that, so he's convinced himself somewhere down the line that being 100 yards out is going to help him to score better than being up around the green on a par-5. What he needs to realize is he needs to develop great swing mechanics and a trustworthy and reliable swing that puts him in the middle of the fairway, or on the green when hitting approach shots. He's always afraid of what could go wrong I think, and that's no way to play the game, indicating an extreme lack of confidence, due to an extreme lack of having a solid theory and solid swing mechanics... just saying.
This is a fascinating post, Billy. Very interesting for sure. I'd never heard of early extension until UA-cam golf came along. Even the Norman and Nicklaus have a bit. And, if there isn't much danger near a Par 5 green, I go for it generally. I think I make more birdies that way for sure. Cheers!
@@MiracleSwingExperience I remember he holed an 8 iron for Eagle on the 72nd hole to tie Fred Couples in a PGA tour event, went on to beat him in a playoff. - Followed him at the senior Open couple of years back. Hits it about 250yds, and not particularly straight. But he sure knows how to score.
Hi Christou, thank you once again for posting a terrific video! I too am a huge Corey Pavin fan and his 8-5 Ryder cup record. We could sure use some golf inspiration to help get through all the course closures! My neighbor and I are hitting wiffle balls from yard to yard. I especially like the points you've made recently about Corey's, Payne's, and Jack's hips not getting so deep. It's so easy to get caught up trying to get that left hip deep, but it's not essential. How about a video on the length of the swing? There have been some terrific short swingers: Paul Azinger, John Cook, Allen Doyle, Tommy Armour III, and nowadays John Rahm. See you up at Eaton but not soon enough!
Corey wound up his left side like no one else. Got all his weight into the downswing. One thing that made his swing really great was his fabulous short game.
He was a bulldog, no doubt! Any plans on reviewing the new Icon irons? They are absolutely gorgeous! Much thanks to all of your content. I am beginning to rebuild my swing in my garage during this quarantine.
The first player to do that low left finish in the practice swing....picked up by Kuchar and even Tiger. Very soft arms in the downswing, club head outside the plane in takeaway.
Early extension can be a problem if you're missing the sweetspot or pulling the ball. Slower tempo swings that are well-timed can appear to have early extension, but it's timed just right - ala Pavin and Payne Stewart.
He appears to stay on-plane very consistently. I think that, in combination with things you pointed out, allowed him to strike the ball very consistently, despite the slight early release.
Hi Christo. Can you have a look at the video: Pat Dempsey 350 yards carry. A typical example of a Ben Hogan swing. Only a bit further. Could you comment?
This was in the day of wooden clubs, dead balls and short golf courses. He only hit the ball 240yrds, but he could hit in the center of the face which was important with that type of equipment. I’m not sure he’d be as successful in today’s long courses and big head drivers.
Maybe my least favorite golf swings of one of my favorite players. With emphasis on playing. Maybe got more out of his tools than anyone who ever played. Great mind. Great tactics. Great shortgame. Great imagination. And a grinder.
For Christo or anyone else: To play great golf, have a "theory" on everything -- a "main idea." And then stick to it, and don't let your ego get the better of you. I 30+ years ago took up golf at 21, and before I was 22 I shot 71 at a par 72 golf course from the blue tees -- the Montebello Golf Course in L.A. County, CA -- about 6,700 yards if I recall, and very hilly. But I had read a LOT of books on golf, watched a LOT of videos, looked at LOTS of pictures, applied what I knew about tennis (from the book the inner game of tennis), and, well, I practiced a lot -- spent all day on the golf courses some days, practicing for hours before I'd play twilight rate. I started out talking to people that seemed to know what they were doing, and soon enough I developed a "main theory" for everything, from the driver to the putter. My golf mechanics were less sophisticated than what I have now, but, I had developed enough of a mechanics theory that with a young strong body I could make a good predictable swing happen about every time. Now I need a "perfect swing" to get things done -- predictable and easy on the body, or else my body will get hurt. And, as my own continued study of the game revealed to me, a swing can get really very "efficient," even effortless. I can hit hundreds and hundreds of balls, at the range, and with quite a few practice swings thrown in there, no problem. I could hit balls all day! Talk to any pro golfer and I would bet they could tell you the same thing; that they have a theory and they stick to it. (And they probably feel they've perfected their swings.) Now my confession, and an observation. I do such "little-bit of early extension" move as discussed here, my bum coming away from the bum line (as drawn here). I'd have to say my swing is very much like Mr. Pavin's here. AT ANY RATE, I like that little bit of "early extension" because my balance point is over my right toe. I have my weight back balancing over the whole foot, and maybe even toward the heels in the backswing, but coming down and as the clubhead gets to the 8 O'Clock position my weight is out to the right toe and back toward the left heel outside of the left foot (and I swing right handed). The right toe becomes a "fulcrum point" or a "brace point" in the later stages of the downswing. And I am somewhat long waisted, so my back just cannot stay so bent over that I can keep my bum back on that line -- not with comfort anyway. So what I do is allow my hips to slide under my chest a bit (from the point of view from behind), and you are calling that "early extension" here. I don't think it is, because it is intentional and under control, and I still have some bend over at the shoulders, back, and at the waist, just not as much as some of the guys with shorter backs (who can manage that more easily). I have that down to a regular move actually. So I would not classify that as "early extension." I don't think Corey Pavin would classify that as "early extension" either. I classify it as "balance" and "bracing." (But shove your hips too far forward too soon, well, that would be "early extension"... not the same thing.) One other thing I note here, as the video went on to Corey Pavin demonstrating "shaped" shots: Like Corey Pavin, to shape a shot I do change my stance, not my grip or changing the position of the club in my grip to get shape -- changing the stance creates a more open clubhead or more closed clubhead and so there's no need to regrip the club with an open or closed clubhead. (Someone tried to show me how to do that, and show me how to weaken my grip -- felt like crap, I hit the ball like crap... I think it is that maybe human wrists are built differently, one human vs. another, allowing for a weaker grip if you got those kinds of wrists, and I don't. And the fact is, I can only see one, maybe 2 knuckles on my left hand anyway, so....) ... So have a solid theory and apply that faithfully, and you should get better and better and better, and really fast. But if balls are still going all over the place, well, maybe you don't have a good theory... I had to hit a whole bunch of golf balls to develop my theory, which I stick with. Maybe best for folks that don't have the time to waste on the driving range to hook-up with a good teaching pro. But, all in all, you got to love the game, and not mind practicing at all (in fact, Love to practice, it is the best form of entertainment for my money), if you want to excel at the game. There is WAY more good information on golf out there than when I learned how to play, before the internet and UA-cam videos. But, I think, and unfortunately, there is WAY more bad information on golf out there too. I am a fan of Christo's videos because they are very analytical while still being comprehensible, and realistic too. And I would guess that because Christo had a struggle all the way to his present skill level, he can understand very well what the average golfer is dealing with to try to learn to play better, and maybe get his instruction across better than those "golden child" golf pros that had a golf club stuck in their hands since they were 7 or 8 years old and had pro golf lessons even beginning way back then in their lives -- those guys just aren't going to "get" the average golfer. I know a guy paying $150 per 1-hour lesson weekly, for the last 2 years, and he hasn't improved a bit. He'd be better of listening to me, for free, and going to the range a bit more... he won't. But he is doing one thing right, he's paying a pro to teach him. However, that particular pro just isn't getting the job done. I will say that he has his own ideas about how to play, and some of it is kooky. For example, he will hit a driver on a par 5-hole, and that's good, but his next shot will be like a 4 or 5 iron, so he can get like right at 100 yards out. I tell him to take a 3 wood and get as close as he can. He can hit out of the sand okay, and chip okay, why trust you are going to place the 100 yard wedge as close to the hole as you would with a chip shot? It's unrealistic, especially because there's no severe danger around these greens on these par-5 holes (well, for the most part anyway). So he really doesn't play his best shots to score well, but, then again, he's always played like that, so he's convinced himself somewhere down the line that being 100 yards out is going to help him to score better than being up around the green on a par-5. What he needs to realize is he needs to develop great swing mechanics and a trustworthy and reliable swing that puts him in the middle of the fairway, or on the green when hitting approach shots. He's always afraid of what could go wrong I think, and that's no way to play the game, indicating an extreme lack of confidence, due to an extreme lack of having a solid theory and solid swing mechanics... just saying.
I think his win at Shinnacock demonstrates that if the course is set up as a true test of skill everybody long and short hitters can win but if you set the course up for the bombers at 8000 yds long with wide open fairways it reduces potential winners, it’s about controlling the ball not a long hitting competition.
I had the opportunity to watch Cory warm up on the range at the 3M Open in Minneapolis, when it was a regular event on the Champions Tour. I, too thought he had a great swing. I admired it for it’s simplicity and lack of any unnecessary movement. It’s a very efficient, repeatable swing. Now about that splayed lead foot: if you’ve ever watched him walk, that’s a natural position for him. His left foot, and to a lesser degree, his right foot, are both natural splayed. His feet don’t naturally point straight ahead of him when he walks.
If I could have a tour player’s swing, it would be his, because it’s so repeatable, compact and efficient. Great video and analysis.
For Christo or anyone else: To play great golf, have a "theory" on everything -- a "main idea." And then stick to it, and don't let your ego get the better of you. I 30+ years ago took up golf at 21, and before I was 22 I shot 71 at a par 72 golf course from the blue tees -- the Montebello Golf Course in L.A. County, CA -- about 6,700 yards if I recall, and very hilly. But I had read a LOT of books on golf, watched a LOT of videos, looked at LOTS of pictures, applied what I knew about tennis (from the book the inner game of tennis), and, well, I practiced a lot -- spent all day on the golf courses some days, practicing for hours before I'd play twilight rate. I started out talking to people that seemed to know what they were doing, and soon enough I developed a "main theory" for everything, from the driver to the putter. My golf mechanics were less sophisticated than what I have now, but, I had developed enough of a mechanics theory that with a young strong body I could make a good predictable swing happen about every time. Now I need a "perfect swing" to get things done -- predictable and easy on the body, or else my body will get hurt. And, as my own continued study of the game revealed to me, a swing can get really very "efficient," even effortless. I can hit hundreds and hundreds of balls, at the range, and with quite a few practice swings thrown in there, no problem. I could hit balls all day! Talk to any pro golfer and I would bet they could tell you the same thing; that they have a theory and they stick to it. (And they probably feel they've perfected their swings.)
Now my confession, and an observation. I do such "little-bit of early extension" move as discussed here, my bum coming away from the bum line (as drawn here). I'd have to say my swing is very much like Mr. Pavin's here. AT ANY RATE, I like that little bit of "early extension" because my balance point is over my right toe. I have my weight back balancing over the whole foot, and maybe even toward the heels in the backswing, but coming down and as the clubhead gets to the 8 O'Clock position my weight is out to the right toe and back toward the left heel outside of the
left foot (and I swing right handed). The right toe becomes a "fulcrum point" or a "brace point" in the later stages of the downswing. And I am somewhat long waisted, so my back just cannot stay so bent over that I can keep my bum back on that line -- not with comfort anyway.
So what I do is allow my hips to slide under my chest a bit (from the point of view from behind), and you are calling that "early extension" here. I don't think it is, because it is intentional and under control, and I still have some bend over at the shoulders, back, and at the waist, just not as much as some of the guys with shorter backs (who can manage that more easily). I have that down to a regular move actually. So I would not classify that as "early extension." I don't think Corey Pavin would classify that as "early extension" either. I classify it as "balance" and "bracing." (But shove your hips too far forward too soon, well, that would be "early extension"... not the same thing.)
One other thing I note here, as the video went on to Corey Pavin demonstrating "shaped" shots:
Like Corey Pavin, to shape a shot I do change my stance, not my grip or changing the position of the club in my grip to get shape -- changing the stance creates a more open clubhead or more closed clubhead and so there's no need to regrip the club with an open or closed clubhead. (Someone tried to show me how to do that, and show me how to weaken my grip -- felt like crap, I hit the ball like crap... I think it is that maybe human wrists are built differently, one human vs. another, allowing for a weaker grip if you got those kinds of wrists, and I don't. And the fact is, I can only see one, maybe 2 knuckles on my left hand anyway, so....) ... So have a solid theory and apply that faithfully, and you should get better and better and better, and really fast. But if balls are still going all over the place, well, maybe you don't have a good theory... I had to hit a whole bunch of golf balls to develop my theory, which I stick with. Maybe best for folks that don't have the time to waste on the driving range to hook-up with a good teaching pro. But, all in all, you got to love the game, and not mind practicing at all (in fact, Love to practice, it is the best form of entertainment for my money), if you want to excel at the game. There is WAY more good information on golf out there than when I learned how to play, before the internet and UA-cam videos. But, I think, and unfortunately, there is WAY more bad information on golf out there too.
I am a fan of Christo's videos because they are very analytical while still being comprehensible, and realistic too. And I would guess that because Christo had a struggle all the way to his present skill level, he can understand very well what the average golfer is dealing with to try to learn to play better, and maybe get his instruction across better than those "golden child" golf pros that had a golf club stuck in their hands since they were 7 or 8 years old and had pro golf lessons even beginning way back then in their lives -- those guys just aren't going to "get" the average golfer. I know a guy paying $150 per 1-hour lesson weekly, for the last 2 years, and he hasn't improved a bit. He'd be better of listening to me, for free, and going to the range a bit more... he won't. But he is doing one thing right, he's paying a pro to teach him. However, that particular pro just isn't getting the job done. I will say that he has his own ideas about how to play, and some of it is kooky. For example, he will hit a driver on a par 5-hole, and that's good, but his next shot will be like a 4 or 5 iron, so he can get like right at 100 yards out. I tell him to take a 3 wood and get as close as he can. He can hit out of the sand okay, and chip okay, why trust you are going to place the 100 yard wedge as close to the hole as you would with a chip shot? It's unrealistic, especially because there's no severe danger around these greens on these par-5 holes (well, for the most part anyway). So he really doesn't play his best shots to score well, but, then again, he's always played like that, so he's convinced himself somewhere down the line that being 100 yards out is going to help him to score better than being up around the green on a par-5. What he needs to realize is he needs to develop great swing mechanics and a trustworthy and reliable swing that puts him in the middle of the fairway, or on the green when hitting approach shots. He's always afraid of what could go wrong I think, and that's no way to play the game, indicating an extreme lack of confidence, due to an extreme lack of having a solid theory and solid swing mechanics... just saying.
This is a fascinating post, Billy. Very interesting for sure. I'd never heard of early extension until UA-cam golf came along. Even the Norman and Nicklaus have a bit. And, if there isn't much danger near a Par 5 green, I go for it generally. I think I make more birdies that way for sure. Cheers!
Most underrated tour player of all time
Lincoln Shaw Right??? He was amazing!!!
@@MiracleSwingExperience I remember he holed an 8 iron for Eagle on the 72nd hole to tie Fred Couples in a PGA tour event, went on to beat him in a playoff. - Followed him at the senior Open couple of years back. Hits it about 250yds, and not particularly straight. But he sure knows how to score.
the guy knew how to win and could hit all the shots it seemed, fun to watch. thnx for the video and info.
Agree that the setup is more important than the swing, Christo. Was it Jack that said the closer you are to impact the less control you have.
The set is an important part of the swing. It determines the shape of the swing, largely thus the shot you'll hit!
Christo…keep up the amazing work!
Thank you so much!!!
Hi Christou, thank you once again for posting a terrific video! I too am a huge Corey Pavin fan and his 8-5 Ryder cup record. We could sure use some golf inspiration to help get through all the course closures! My neighbor and I are hitting wiffle balls from yard to yard. I especially like the points you've made recently about Corey's, Payne's, and Jack's hips not getting so deep. It's so easy to get caught up trying to get that left hip deep, but it's not essential. How about a video on the length of the swing? There have been some terrific short swingers: Paul Azinger, John Cook, Allen Doyle, Tommy Armour III, and nowadays John Rahm. See you up at Eaton but not soon enough!
stubru1234 That’s a great idea, Stu. 3/4 swingers!!!
@@MiracleSwingExperience How could I forget Tony Finau? 350 yards with a 3/4 swing!
Louis Oosthuizen, beautiful swing and has some early extension. Have a look. Great video!
Steven Lane Ooh, I have to check that out! I love his swing!!!
.....OTT..... From 2 years ago
Keep up the great work Christo!
Underrated because he didn't hit it very far. But his name was nearly always on the top 2 pages of the leaderboard every week.
Jay Scott That’s right, Jay. He shot a 26, lowest 9 in PGA history n
Corey wound up his left side like no one else. Got all his weight into the downswing. One thing that made his swing really great was his fabulous short game.
From a 100 yards and in he was one of the best ever!
He was a bulldog, no doubt! Any plans on reviewing the new Icon irons? They are absolutely gorgeous! Much thanks to all of your content. I am beginning to rebuild my swing in my garage during this quarantine.
Ben Fortushniak That’s a good use of time! I do expect to review the Icon irons soon!!!
I use the clubs that he won with in 1995, VAS, sweet set!
bobber Ooh, I’ll have to look those up!
@Steve Rogers I'm not sure his club length but he does take it straight up!
The first player to do that low left finish in the practice swing....picked up by Kuchar and even Tiger.
Very soft arms in the downswing, club head outside the plane in takeaway.
historicus146 Yes, he was influential for sure!
I got to get in shape, like Christo.
Billy Graham It’s not hard Billy!
Early extension can be a problem if you're missing the sweetspot or pulling the ball. Slower tempo swings that are well-timed can appear to have early extension, but it's timed just right - ala Pavin and Payne Stewart.
This Corona virus thing sucks. Thanks for the entertainment Christo.
Billy Graham Sure thing, Billy!
He appears to stay on-plane very consistently. I think that, in combination with things you pointed out, allowed him to strike the ball very consistently, despite the slight early release.
DsevenO Yes, he had it grooved
Hi Christo. Can you have a look at the video: Pat Dempsey 350 yards carry. A typical example of a Ben Hogan swing. Only a bit further. Could you comment?
Great video, hey what do you think of the new Icon irons I think they look sweet!
Esoxfan I’m dying to get mine!
Great video! Any thoughts about doing a Steve Stricker analysis?
Damiun Walker That’s a great idea!!!
@@MiracleSwingExperience can't wait!
Zero handle dragging. Weight moves to left toes (before the heel) on downswing. Just like George Knudson.
I wonder where he picked up the Hogan left wrist supinafragilistic action.
It's darn good, right?
I notice his right forearm is quite vertical at the top. Do you think that is a factor in his early extension?
Howie Dunbar Yes. I do. Great eye!!!
Do one on Tiger's 2000 swing
What was the purpose of his out to in practice swing? I never caught him explaining it.
Steve Polverini I cant say for certain, Steve. If just be guessing.
@@MiracleSwingExperience Copy that. Maybe a "feel vs real" thing.
Christo, am i seeing a little Justin Leonard on Corey's fallow through?
If it ain't broke, dont fix it!
This was in the day of wooden clubs, dead balls and short golf courses. He only hit the ball 240yrds, but he could hit in the center of the face which was important with that type of equipment.
I’m not sure he’d be as successful in today’s long courses and big head drivers.
He chipped and outer like a man in a dream, thats why he could compete.
I meant chipped and putted.
You make a god point about his early extension, only the very strongest, can extend late, for the average human it is impossible.
Cory Pavin hit the ball closer to 240 not 260... 260 was above tour average back in his day!
Slow motion sports mechanics are silly..... The Ball flight the player wants to play rules
Maybe my least favorite golf swings of one of my favorite players. With emphasis on playing. Maybe got more out of his tools than anyone who ever played. Great mind. Great tactics. Great shortgame. Great imagination. And a grinder.
Too much fluff in commentary!
For Christo or anyone else: To play great golf, have a "theory" on everything -- a "main idea." And then stick to it, and don't let your ego get the better of you. I 30+ years ago took up golf at 21, and before I was 22 I shot 71 at a par 72 golf course from the blue tees -- the Montebello Golf Course in L.A. County, CA -- about 6,700 yards if I recall, and very hilly. But I had read a LOT of books on golf, watched a LOT of videos, looked at LOTS of pictures, applied what I knew about tennis (from the book the inner game of tennis), and, well, I practiced a lot -- spent all day on the golf courses some days, practicing for hours before I'd play twilight rate. I started out talking to people that seemed to know what they were doing, and soon enough I developed a "main theory" for everything, from the driver to the putter. My golf mechanics were less sophisticated than what I have now, but, I had developed enough of a mechanics theory that with a young strong body I could make a good predictable swing happen about every time. Now I need a "perfect swing" to get things done -- predictable and easy on the body, or else my body will get hurt. And, as my own continued study of the game revealed to me, a swing can get really very "efficient," even effortless. I can hit hundreds and hundreds of balls, at the range, and with quite a few practice swings thrown in there, no problem. I could hit balls all day! Talk to any pro golfer and I would bet they could tell you the same thing; that they have a theory and they stick to it. (And they probably feel they've perfected their swings.)
Now my confession, and an observation. I do such "little-bit of early extension" move as discussed here, my bum coming away from the bum line (as drawn here). I'd have to say my swing is very much like Mr. Pavin's here. AT ANY RATE, I like that little bit of "early extension" because my balance point is over my right toe. I have my weight back balancing over the whole foot, and maybe even toward the heels in the backswing, but coming down and as the clubhead gets to the 8 O'Clock position my weight is out to the right toe and back toward the left heel outside of the
left foot (and I swing right handed). The right toe becomes a "fulcrum point" or a "brace point" in the later stages of the downswing. And I am somewhat long waisted, so my back just cannot stay so bent over that I can keep my bum back on that line -- not with comfort anyway.
So what I do is allow my hips to slide under my chest a bit (from the point of view from behind), and you are calling that "early extension" here. I don't think it is, because it is intentional and under control, and I still have some bend over at the shoulders, back, and at the waist, just not as much as some of the guys with shorter backs (who can manage that more easily). I have that down to a regular move actually. So I would not classify that as "early extension." I don't think Corey Pavin would classify that as "early extension" either. I classify it as "balance" and "bracing." (But shove your hips too far forward too soon, well, that would be "early extension"... not the same thing.)
One other thing I note here, as the video went on to Corey Pavin demonstrating "shaped" shots:
Like Corey Pavin, to shape a shot I do change my stance, not my grip or changing the position of the club in my grip to get shape -- changing the stance creates a more open clubhead or more closed clubhead and so there's no need to regrip the club with an open or closed clubhead. (Someone tried to show me how to do that, and show me how to weaken my grip -- felt like crap, I hit the ball like crap... I think it is that maybe human wrists are built differently, one human vs. another, allowing for a weaker grip if you got those kinds of wrists, and I don't. And the fact is, I can only see one, maybe 2 knuckles on my left hand anyway, so....) ... So have a solid theory and apply that faithfully, and you should get better and better and better, and really fast. But if balls are still going all over the place, well, maybe you don't have a good theory... I had to hit a whole bunch of golf balls to develop my theory, which I stick with. Maybe best for folks that don't have the time to waste on the driving range to hook-up with a good teaching pro. But, all in all, you got to love the game, and not mind practicing at all (in fact, Love to practice, it is the best form of entertainment for my money), if you want to excel at the game. There is WAY more good information on golf out there than when I learned how to play, before the internet and UA-cam videos. But, I think, and unfortunately, there is WAY more bad information on golf out there too.
I am a fan of Christo's videos because they are very analytical while still being comprehensible, and realistic too. And I would guess that because Christo had a struggle all the way to his present skill level, he can understand very well what the average golfer is dealing with to try to learn to play better, and maybe get his instruction across better than those "golden child" golf pros that had a golf club stuck in their hands since they were 7 or 8 years old and had pro golf lessons even beginning way back then in their lives -- those guys just aren't going to "get" the average golfer. I know a guy paying $150 per 1-hour lesson weekly, for the last 2 years, and he hasn't improved a bit. He'd be better of listening to me, for free, and going to the range a bit more... he won't. But he is doing one thing right, he's paying a pro to teach him. However, that particular pro just isn't getting the job done. I will say that he has his own ideas about how to play, and some of it is kooky. For example, he will hit a driver on a par 5-hole, and that's good, but his next shot will be like a 4 or 5 iron, so he can get like right at 100 yards out. I tell him to take a 3 wood and get as close as he can. He can hit out of the sand okay, and chip okay, why trust you are going to place the 100 yard wedge as close to the hole as you would with a chip shot? It's unrealistic, especially because there's no severe danger around these greens on these par-5 holes (well, for the most part anyway). So he really doesn't play his best shots to score well, but, then again, he's always played like that, so he's convinced himself somewhere down the line that being 100 yards out is going to help him to score better than being up around the green on a par-5. What he needs to realize is he needs to develop great swing mechanics and a trustworthy and reliable swing that puts him in the middle of the fairway, or on the green when hitting approach shots. He's always afraid of what could go wrong I think, and that's no way to play the game, indicating an extreme lack of confidence, due to an extreme lack of having a solid theory and solid swing mechanics... just saying.
Did you make it to the tour?
Did you play other sports, Billy?
Great video! Any thoughts about doing a Steve Sticker analysis?