Secret in the Dirt: Ben Hogan and Moe Norman Fireside Talk

[EagleEyeGolfer]

There should be a part 2 to this video. I seems like you had alot more to say.

[AndrewLikesMusic]

Absolutely beautiful. Great video, comprehensive and inspiring!

[golfdaddie69]

I've watched most of your video post....You are the man...Hogan lives through You and all whos quest it is to REALLY get IT by following his footsteps. Its not about winning or losing but just about becoming the best we can become. Like Lombardi said, Strive for perfection and although it may not be attainable in our pursuit of perfection we may achieve excellence. You've really done your homework A+

[holyrocnroll]

that camera guy is a stoner haha

[SwingItLikeMoe]

"when Ben Hogan died my heart fell out of golf". Are you serious? Everything you said was pretty insightful until that last comment. But come to think about it, when Moe Norman died I kinda felt the same way, lol. Really. My heart didn't fall out of golf but I thought his death was a huge lose for the game.

[MrLocacat]

I love your videos, but I don't ever boil my beer..!

[steadilyshinein99]

i just went through and read some of the comments people had left awhile ago, and someone left a comment that said hogan could only hit doctored clubs. when every touring pro in the history of golf has doctored clubs to fit what they want to do

[MSquared97]

Hey Sevam, I played in Canada growing up and represented Canada in the Jr World's in Japan. I am 35 now and feeling like i am just figuring it out. My Swing Coach has taken me from irons 2 degrees upright to 2 degrees flat in 6 months with my changes....much like the 5 lessons....Can you look at a few swings at MSquared97 and let me know your thoughts? No where close but if you saw me a year ago you may be impressed.  I need some help getting to where i need to be!

[aussie485]

Hi Sevam1,

After watching 2 hours of your clips last night i have tried the move's without hitting a ball unbelievable how much power you can generate, i have allways had trouble finishing my swing with this by grounding the right leg and retarding my hip turn it is easy. Love Hogan irons i have a 59, 69 & 78 set.

[aussie485]

Hi Sevam1

I agree with you about Hogan irons i have 3 sets 59, 69 & 78 model and love them i was born in 59 and that was the last year Hogan owned the company so it was perfect to get a set took 2 years.

I haven't hit a ball yet but watched 2 hours of your video's the move is unbelievable i could never finish my swing with this move by grounding my right leg and retarding my hip turn i can with ease the feel of power is incredible.

Will be joining the website thanks

[martinkp76]

just cool..

[strongsi]

hi sevam, i find your knowledge of golf very interesting butyou have to admit, whoever is filming you has no clue about golf.

[swingtrade2]

connection with the ground - check out snead videos. he says 'you roll your feet.'

biggest difference between pros and amateur:  knee flex and soft arms.

[cpond007]

Thank you for sharing all your research>FREE!!

I did not purchase your program sorry>you gave the secret away in your many tubes!!!!

P.S. I called Callaway last week (customer service) they do not see anything on the horizon as far as Hogan clubs>shame on Callaway......

[2009willwill]

I am sorry, he didn't gave it all out~~~ there's a six lesson in his book~~~~i am happy that I brought it.

[IsTodayYesterday]

your kidding ???

[BenJogan]

This guy is amazing!! I enjoy incredibly the part at 5:54 when he say "this was, this was, this was...".

He seems to be a little crazy in the final part: "When Ben Hogan died..." ahahah (forgive me, please)

[earltpt]

has,nt got a clue!

[Goynes42]

Ever watched him hit a golf ball? He's got more of a clue than most anybody who swings a club.

[kevskigolf]

you are so right about the pull and push. its clear to me now - Switter is the way forward.

[miguelitobueno]

Pure passion!

[josh3564]

it seems like you kno what your talking about can you take a look at my swing and tell me what you think i have a weak grip and i have trouble hooking the ball

[JoshHamric]

I really love your videos!  But I gotta say I can't stop chuckling at that last part.

"When Ben Hogan died, *points finger at interviewer* my heart fell out of golf. That's the truth. *points again and whispers* That's the truth."

[tmiller72]

He really is fireside, nice! Love watching these vids.

[jrpayn]

I have never, ever heard anyone explain Moe Norman and Ben Hogan's swings as clearly, succinctly and thoroughly as you have.

Even though I've read Hogan's Five Lessons four or five times over the past twenty years, YOUR explanation made the light bulbs finally turn on! Thank you sincerely for your research and sharing!

I can hardly wait to get to the range tomorrow and start digging it out of the dirt.

[ashmadnat57]

Maxxsee & tigercatcheshair are the reasons why cousins shouldn't be allowed to marry. Keep up with the study and instruction Sevam1! I was fortunate to see Mr. Hogan practice in Houston in the early 70's and the sound of the ball coming off his clubface was unreal! Hearing the sound of Sevam1's shots, only a fool would not pay attention to what Sevam1 has to say. For maxxsee & tigercatcheshair (oh puhleeze), LISTENING MEANS LEARNING! Keep digging in the dirt Sevam1!

[fnlost]

I think you have an amazing understanding of the golf swing and all fundamentals.

You have broken down Hogan's incredible mechanics as good if not better than anyone I have ever come across.

EXCELLENT ...... thank you ...

[messi19barca]

actually jones said that moron

[tigercatcheshair]

Moe Norman said it's all happens in the 5 1/2 inches between your ears. If that's true - then what's happening between Sevam 1's ears is amateur's hour.

Sevam 1 - ( violins playing...) " My heart went out of golf when Hogan died " (?!). WTF ! I didn't know that Hogan invented golf or was the reason for enjoying the game. Were you counting the hours until his death ? Have another beer Sevam0.

[B3rb3rian]

hogan didnt invent golf but he and moe are the few people the world has ever seen that could hit a golf ball equal to or better than iron byron. With all the technology they had in Bens era compared to now, its funny how no one can compare to him.

[tigercatcheshair]

This is like some sad little fraternity of Dungeon's & Dragons nerds that like to talk more about golf (creating hierarchy, egos, self worth and desperately trying to socialize by pretending to 'OWN' the mysterious golf swing) than play golf.

TRUTH - Hogan's swing ONLY worked with his personally DOCTORED clubs. Check it out - pros have hit his driver since and it goes like a banana. Only Tiger after many swings could compensate for it. It was that skewed, PERIOD. IT'S ALL IN YOUR HEAD. Truth.

[jack10boy]

i felt the move and im amazed how easy it is,iv hit solid shots ever since,i dont even havet to think about anything else with what my upper body is doing or hands,it all happens by itself..thanks sevam1 for everything were else can i get anymore lessons??your a genius

[pat52007]

I think if Tiger Woods changed his swing to be more like Moe or Hogan, he would not have had three knee surgeries. No one can ever deny of course that Woods is not a great, great player, but I can guarantee he'll have to modify his swing somewhat.

[TheHoyster13]

About The Move. You sayed ravielli shaded in important areas, I was looking on page 83 on the thrid picture of ben hogan swinging and I have spotted shading on his left knuckles or around that area. Does this mean anything.

[TheHoyster13]

When You Said that the best irons were made by Ben Hogan. What are they? I'd like to have a look at them. :)

[sevam1]

My favorite are the 1969 Bounce Sole 1+ irons. The 1961 Power Thrust are great also. I have a set of 1967 Percussion's that I love. You also can't go wrong with the Apex models from the 1970's. New Apex models that I like are the PC model and the Red Lines. Go to ebay and pick up an old set. The shafts will be tired probably so you m,ay want to dump new shafts in. Adjust the lofts and lies and you will have a great set of irons.

[mracampa23]

@sevam1 what do you think of the apex edge pros?....theres a set still in plastic at a shop near me and they're $299.99....please let me know your opinion :) Thanks!

[TheHoyster13]

Ive read your blog/book. However getting the move is pretty hard to do because is done in a split second. How should I pratice it. At the moment I do slow motion swings.

[sevam1]

Slo motion swings concentrating on balance and the feelings in your feet. I don't think that you want to feel that this is a split second thing. There is a flow to it. It is not jerky or abrupt. One thing flows into the next in a motion executed in proper sequence.

[TheHoyster13]

Thks for the advice, but when I meant the split second thing I meant the secret move on page 98-99 I thnk i is with that basketball.

[trespasstoland]

"You know why I'm so goddamn good? I never move my right knee." --Ben Hogan, to his caddie

[jus10thomas]

Thats crazy, I was just thinking about that quote probably 5 hours ago. Then I get on here tonight and see you say exactly that. Your the man!

[TheHoyster13]

Whats your theory for ball position??

[sevam1]

Under the left armpit. An inch and a bit ahead of that with the driver.

[TheHoyster13]

Thanks I'll try it

[will2282]

he sevam i was at the driving range the other day and i took my normal setup but turned out the club slightly at addres. Not adjusting theclub while forming the grip. I actually hit alot better hitting 3 yard fade and draw with alot of consistency. 7 -i 200 yards out hitting a flag within 15 ft either side or closer. Is this with the clubface actually how it is held at address or am i compensating for something else i am doing during the swing?

[sevam1]

I would suggest that you let the ballflight tell you whether or not you have found something. The results that you are talking about are quite excellent, so I would not question it until it stops working. I start every swing with the blade a little open. That's just the way I feel that I move the best on the backswing. That doesn't mean that it will be right for everyone, but that is a minor variation that I use. If you are hitting it inside 15 ft. from 200 yards you shouldn't question it.

[TheHoyster13]

Do you have an extra spike in your shoe. If so how??

[sevam1]

I wish I did.

[TheHoyster13]

Lol

[B3rb3rian]

very smart and 100% agreeable. its time to rejuvenate the hogan company. my dads has sets and sets of him and i use hogans irons from the 90's. he hit it good everyday because he did not have to relie on timing, like he said alot of people are flippy, its true. to many golfers have good days and bad days because there swing is about having good timing. hogan and moe's swing controlled the club so it would never get ahead or lag behind

[brh5934]

haha i like the roosevelt cliche

[golfgolfpro67]

Great Video.

Thanks for all the info on two of the greatest players of all time.( Moe and Ben).

[exaltedchosenone]

Sevam1 - Thank you for keeping Hogan and Moe alive for the everyday golfer. Your explanations are like a Rosetta Stone, deciphering the "feelings" that Hogan and Moe talked about. I'm am so grateful for your generosity and passion for sharing your insights and stories. I bought your ebook last night and read the whole straight through.

[BroadcastEM772]

although I do not believe that Hogan was deceiving us, some of the things in his book are not even done by him. He just used the sensations that he described in the book, it looked liked he was gearing the book for the higher handicap players

[sxgeter12]

I am gaining a strong understanding of how the legs and the connection to the ground govern a correct repeating swing but still struggle with sequence. Are there details in your new book that discuss how the legs should work throughout the swing? Hogan specifically spoke about knees being braced in and utilizing the inner muscles of the legs. Do you go into such detail?

[sevam1]

The current incarnation of the book does not get into that level of detail. Rather it is about giving the "live tension" Hogan discussed a direction. Later incarnations of the book will likely have more of the details you seem to be looking for.

[Pureburke33]

It was well said the hardest part of Mr. Hogans teachings is believing in it. At first when you try what Mr. Hogan advocated it seems impossible to generate any power or consistancy. If you commit though the payoff will be great

[will2282]

USING THE ball of your back foot as a point of reference does any or majority of the weight transfer to the heel of that foot or does it stay on the ball sort of speak

[sevam1]

The weight rides between the ball of the foot and the heel. The ball of the foot is the critical part because the mass and pressure leaves the right side through the ballof the foot. It is the vital connection with the dirt.

[garre71]

I think i found something at page 86 at five lessons. I looks like he stays in his backswing plane with his shoulder when he transfer weight to the left and his arms drop and then turn with a pull and push. Maybe just another crazy idea..

[737hunter]

Not only do you use the ground with the right foot, but even more the left !!

[UPLosBanos]

Mike, how bout a fireside discussion on the grip? The first fundamental.

[Tigersmundo]

Hello Mike

That last sentence got me man I feel you brother keep up the great work with Cameraman Hey where's Casey? ahhhhh maybe with Trainer

JuNiOR Tigersworld

[HabloIrlandes]

Hey Mike,

Wise move, moving indoors for your next post. For a couple of reasons, I don't think anyone got any enjoyment out of watchin you turn blue in your last post! But also it's nice to have you sit down and just talk through a lot of the concepts and workings of Mr Hogans teachings and methods. Keep 'em coming.

[garre71]

Ok! It just felt right when i kind of slide in to the right side with my hips and left knee straight and then i kicked my left knee at the ball.

[garre71]

Hi Mike!What do you think of this.What if that Vasqes boy had something wrong with his ears and heard"You should kick your right knee in at the ball"but Hogan meant left knee to start the downswing.

[sevam1]

Vasquez had it right. He just didn't answer how or why.

[UPLosBanos]

Mike,

Nice chat session. Just want your opinion of how Hogan would have done wearing soft spikes shoes of today?

[sevam1]

He would have had difficulty and he would have been a shorter off of the tee. Without metal spikes he would have had traction concerns on every tee just like the 18th at Olympic in 1955. That said today's soft spikes are better than they were when I quit playing.

[p01argentina]

Anyway... If Hogan would be alive nowadays and playing the tour, he would have no problem at all...metal spikes are allowed on tour today...

[wtfjonw]

Mike,

I think Ben Hogan lives on in your reverence and the sharing of your understanding, of his gifts to golfers, with others in our world-wide golf community. No doubt he is quite proud of you!

[sevam1]

Thank you. I appreciate that comment a great deal. MIke

[HoganFan69]

hey man, just a question. you spoke somewhere how you acheive "the sound" saying that it requires good club head speed, striking the ball in the centre of the club head, heavy forged irons and a strong grip pressure.

So do you reckon that the sound can still be acheived on today's forged irons? i play with mizuno forged blades and struggle to get the sound, although my grip pressure is'nt very strong.

what do you think?

[sevam1]

That sound was Ben Hogan's alone.

It is the sound of pure contact on the button with heavy, firm shafted clubs held with firm grip pressure, a rapidly accelerating clubhead reinforced through the entire body by the strongest hands in golf. You are basically hearing the earth hit a golfball when you hear Ben Hogan hit a golfball.

That is the recipe for the Hogan sound. It likely will never be duplicated.

[HoganFan69]

Thanks Mike,

I recorded my sound and it has a higher pitch obviously. But yeah i must confirm what wtfjonw said.

Your videos and blog are a true testiment to Hogan and Moe and everything they brought to the golfing world.

Keep it up !!!

[stahrman]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Keep'em coming

[traviswhitney]

you should have your own show on the golf channel!

[HoganFan69]

thanks man. love your videos.