Ernie Els swing close up

[emncaity]

Watch the unhurried change of direction. In a swing like this (or Snead's, or Couples'), it's really a critical element.

[doggwalk]

Perfect spine angle

[golfmaniac007]

such an ugly swing .....keke.....i can't say that with a straight face

[1dednimnepo]

Best swing in golf. Period!

[emncaity]

@1dednimnepo

Hard to argue much, at least on the basis of this specific swing (in this vid). If he made swings like this all the time these days and just putted like a decent tour player, he'd make a run at #1. But somewhere around the time of his injury he developed some odd problems, including the angle-opening bounce at the top of his swing that I went into earlier (on this list). Look at his older vids (mid-20s), compare them with most vids of him now (esp. slo-mo), and you'll see it.

[TheUnGolfPro]

Ernie is pretty cool but he always looks off balance. I had seen him at the Barkley's last year. The ball explodes off his clubhead. He hit a beautiful draw with a five iron from about 210 yards.

When I can beat him I will comment on his swing.

[slapstik89]

he tends to drop his back foot slightlyl...i guess he uses that to induce a slight draw (either that or he's combatting a slice :D )

[oinarp]

@slapstik89 YEAH, but he fights a hook. His miss is a hook so...

I know when he was going to Leadbetter he was working on keeping his right foot down longer through the swing. If you were to see him when he was swining in the early 90's you would see a much loser back foot.

Good stuff.

[emncaity]

@oinarp

Couldn't agree more on the older swing. The swing in this video (obviously not taken all that long ago) looks a lot more like his older swing, with that beautiful fluid arm motion, and less like the way he swings most of the time for the past three or four years particular, with what appears to me to be too much consciousness of positions, etc. If you catch a vid of him in his mid-20s, it's a much more whole-swing kind of action, very Snead-like.

[themothmanreturns]

@TheUnGolfPro ? saying he always looks off balance is commenting on his swing and whats more hes one of the most in balance golfers there is.

[theusedish]

rory mcilroy's swing is better

[kukke25]

Best swing on tour

[yummpyummp]

@kukke25 ooooooook!!

TO YOU maybe

[kukke25]

It is you dumbass

[shredfromthedead]

His swing makes a helicopter noise. Amazing.

[dandydude123xyz]

@shredfromthedead lol

[sharkwilboy]

The distinction highlighted (hands vs body rotation) is relevant. Ernie's core slows in its rotation and the right hand then needs to release hard to square the blade. Someone like Zach Johnson can't release his hands as hard because of his strong grip. Hogan wasn't originally part of the discussion. However, his body rotation was phenomenal and he got his shoulders so open at impact it's scary.

[emncaity]

So wrong. Look here, for instance, at impact ("at," not "past"), at about :30 (add the youtube stem before it):

/watch?v=rZvxZvLKGEw

Hips clearing, shoulders squarish to slightly open, right forearm under left (DTL). Coming into the ball, the shoulders are even more dramatically closed (go back a frame). Varies a bit if he's trying to hit a bigger fade than usual.

[emncaity]

Truth is, every great swing is a blend of arm swing, hand release, body rotation, and other factors. Hogan released the hell out of his hands, and he certainly felt it (because he said so). His plane was so good from chest-high to chest-high, though, that releasing the hands didn't take on that slapping appearance. Same for Ernie in this swing here.

[emncaity]

I agree that Ernie's gotten in a bad habit of having his right forearm and hand a bit "out" or off-plane in the approach to impact, followed by a quick little "over" or twist that has about the same effect as a little flip (inconsistency, mostly).

[emncaity]

Still...I agree that his core slows down a bit, but the alternative way to look at that (a la Ernest Jones, for instance--"all these other body moves are the result of a true swinging motion, not the cause of it") is that the hit impulse (represented by the right hand and forearm forcing) stops the rotation. Rotation tends to happen well in a free and on-plane swing without undue tension. But mere rotation will not swing the arms, hands, and club.

[sharkwilboy]

I think Hogan's swing is used in a number of poor ways to illustrate often mis-guided instruction. In reality he swung the club accordingly for the shot he was attempting. This is where the technical freaks go wrong. Charles Howell, for example, can hit a 150 yrd 9 iron inside 10 foot a ridiculous number of times. Get him to cut in a choked-down 6 iron and it's a different matter!

[jokeonthisbaby]

This is my favorite video of any pro golf swings. I could watch this shot all day, amazing.

[danglesaucemusta]

Wow what a beautiful swing.

[ShambolicSuperstar]

At my club i always get teased and laughed at because my club speed LOOKS about 50, but every time i remind then about big easy. The key to consistent long drives, and sturdy iron shots is all about tempo and the smoothness of your swing, not all these 'slog' drives.

[Sharkwilboy1st]

Lol, fair enough no hitch. I thought you were simply referring to how dynamic yet effortless his transition and slight drop of plane angle is (almost looks like a pause at the top like with VJ)...I guess you may mean he sometimes gets jerky, out of synch or stuck from the top in competition? Either way when u c this swing u just have 2 wonder whether it's Tiger intimidation that's held him back rather than his game.

[emncaity]

I wonder whether he ran out of motivation. He's a multiple-major winner, he's not the kind of guy who burns to be #1 if it means sacrificing a lot of other stuff, and he's set for life financially.

As for the move at the top--I'm talking about what he does (more viewable from face-on) where he opens the angle a little just as he starts down. It's really weird, especially when you look at his swings from the mid-'90s. Jay Sigel, a great amateur-turned-senior-pro, also used to do it.

[emncaity]

Actually, if I were betting on it, I really do think it had something to do with his injury and compensations that set in. He just hasn't been the same since, and most weeks an 80-shooter can putt better. If you remember during his major-winning years, he was about as good a putter as Tiger is now--just made a ridiculous percentage of six-footers on major-championship greens, for instance.

[yashank1]

what do you mean by dynamic transition though?

[Sharkwilboy1st]

His transition (backswing to forwardswing) from the top is so silky and smooth but there is a huge amount of torque in his body (big shoulder turn resisting against his lower body). Its such a dynamic move with massive energy built up and its a continuous motion and he therefore losses no momentum through to impact where he just lets it go!

[yashank1]

yes you are right but every good player

has that momentum and reaches a point at impact where the force is the most....

there are different swings like ben hogan is totally diff. from ernie

ernie has good hands,the body turn starting the downswing is natural to him,he actually creates power from his hands..........commentators say like "he's got great hands" for ex : boris that fat guy while hogan lays emphasis on body turn ONLY . He knows how his body reacts but thats not the case for everyp

[Sharkwilboy1st]

Yes Ernie and say Geoff Ogilvy are becoming the exception these days, their swings display a mix of traits/characteristics commonly associated with both the classic and modern swing. Both rotate the blade open at the top and use educated hands and forearms through the ball to square the blade. Typical modern-day players (often shut-blade players) focus on maintaining spine angle and limiting blade-rotation. Zach Johnson and Hunter Mahan are good examples.

[yashank1]

yeah this amazing though.....i tried to imitate Ben's swing model but it never worked for me and even Tiger ofcourse because even though i could turn aggressively but my arms never caught up which resulted in slow clubhead speed.

but why?i couldnt figure that out but my arm action proved to be much better but still you need to have the turn just enough otherwise i block it right (for left handed)...

i cant swing like tiger or ben but only the way i can but its similar to ernie though xD

[emncaity]

Hogan definitely does not "lay emphasis on body turn only." He even talks repeatedly about how much he feels his hands releasing. There is so much crap out there misinterpreting Hogan, it's not even funny.

Also, terms like "creates power from" or "governs" or "drives" are almost always wrong in the golf swing. Els does release his hands strongly, but so does almost every good player.

[Motown025]

By dynamic he means the efficient, effective or athletic method of movement. By transition he means that whilst the centrifugal force of the backswing is taking the club to the end of the backswing, the lower body instinctively moves the other way, toward the target. These opposing forces create a naturally athletic movement seen in many sports (e.g. baseball), where energy is made elastic in this way, stored and then released with minimal added effort.

[MattSavage2006]

if you wanna be a good golfer, this is the swing to emulate.long live big easy

[rrodrig4]

can you guys check out my swing, please be critical

[PAPITOROY]

Primero tiene que bajar de peso SI o SI. Despues que bajes de peso, Preocupate de usar los HOMBROS para sacar el palo para atras, NO LAS MANOS.

Tercero, GRABATE AL AIRE LIBRE SOLO CUANDO ESTES DELGADO.

Saludos

[bluffinboy01]

wow its amazing how one physical movement can take decades to perfect.. golf is such a hard sport

[edu1594]

how far does ernie hit on average ?

[BirdmanDeuce26]

He bangs 'em out in low 290s.

[ygmondoux]

Sure is all timing, I've posted a video about his timing... my last post, look at it... Been studying this guy for 5 years...

[Sharkwilboy1st]

No one uses their large muscles better in the golf swing than this man. Swing is so synchronised, efficient and well-balanced. What I wouldn't give for his swing. He definitely swings better (timing) with the hitch at the top (transition is amazing!) it sets him so well, builds up immense torque and yet so effortlessly. Anyone else jealous?

[russlinz]

yes, very jealous! he's so laid back looking. that proves that it more about timing than anything else. i love watching him play.

[emncaity]

In this video, he doesn't have the "hitch" I was talking about. This is one of the best swings I've ever seen from him on video.

[yashank1]

hey bro where have you been

and you dont write to me anymore why?

i'm dissapointed!

joking.

so how's passion for dance Mr.editor?

and golf....

[emncaity]

Been wrapped up elsewhere--how about you?

Actually, it's my wife that has the passion for dance (or did when we had the Irish dance school & performance company, anyway). I was just the mule who hauled stuff around, coordinated the music, made sure the sound was all going right, etc.

How are you playing these days?

[emncaity]

BTW, thanks a million for posting this--probably my absolute favorite single-swing vid on the Web.

Now, as to that opening-angle-as-first-move-do­wn bouncy-type thing, see :13 to :16 on "Ernie Els Driver Swing" (I think youtube isn't letting me post the actual URL--I've tried about four times now).

More subtle here, but still, from about :18 to :24 on "Ernie Else Swing Vision 3."

Now, am I just crazy to say you can see the bounce in those vids, but not here (in the vid you posted)?

[emncaity]

I'm tellin' ya, I've seen him make both swings ever since he came back from the knee problem.

[McTerror1]

my favorite swing! I'm 6'6" so I use ernie's swing as an example for me to follow.

[rikestard]

yea he's got a good swing, mine is similar too

watch?v=WocI7UKPlfk

[emncaity]

Pretty good. How tall are you, anyhow? Obviously you have no problem generating speed.

Take a look at Ernie's (in this vid) versus yours; difference really is the freedom and width of the arm swing. See if you agree.

[rikestard]

6'2 my friend. yea he definetly has more arm extension than I do, thats one of things I would like to work on, cause my left arm will break down from time to time. I like his tempo the most.

[emncaity]

Jeez, you look taller.

Breakdown might be because of the body driving too hard. You might see if thinking of the "big muscles" in a supporting role to the swinging of the arms and club might help (cf. Ernie, Couples, Snead, guys like Tom Purtzer, even). Part of the genius of Tiger is that he's able to load as much power as he does while still maintaining an actual swinging motion.

Wait, I just realized...you didn't actually ask for advice! Sorry. I'll go take a flying leap now.

[rikestard]

It's ok I learned along time ago not to listen to any1 when it comes to golf. even though you sound knowledgable it doesnt mean you can play. i'm not saying your not a stick but left brain is knowledge and right brain is the game.

but my big muscles are working just fine, hence the description lol

[emncaity]

Oh, I can play.  Or at least could. But that doesn't mean I oughta give unsolicited advice to a poster.

[rikestard]

also Tiger is not a swinger, he is a hitter and his swing is not the best. that is why he has serious knee problems, he loads up just fine, then stands up through impact, kinda like women do to help them generate power, this is tiger's manipulation that know one talks about. all golfers manipulate to a degree.

Swing speed means nothing, ball speed is whats important.

Peace

[emncaity]

I'd vote for Tiger as an effective combiner of swing plus hit, but that's another discussion.

That post-up thing on the lead leg has been a common move for generations. Nicklaus covers it in at least one of his books, and even some of the hickory-shaft players did it consciously. But it's one thing to do it with a gentle swing, another when you're really going at it. Nicklaus got away from it after his first few years out there; you wonder if he was feeling the potential for injury.

[rikestard]

its not the driving forward thats doing it, its the dip and stand thats ruining his knees.

[emncaity]

Well, he might've had bad knees anyway.

Have to say, though...I usually end up defending Leadbetter from people who seem to think the guy is an idiot (right...he had something like four or five of the top seven players in the world at one time), but in this case I do think Els was probably better before he got instructed so much, whether by Lead or whoever else. He's just that rare natural talent, the kind of guy where you wanna say, "PLEASE don't touch him, anybody." IMHO, anyway.

[rikestard]

I was talking about tiger' swing, not big ern's

[emncaity]

Ohhh...I get it. They both had problems, y'know. Yeah, TW has a pronounced "dip and stand," as you say, although according to him and his last two teachers he's been trying to lessen that over the past few years. You really can see a tremendous amount of stress on the lower back and lower body, though, in his all-out swings.

[rikestard]

so you dont play anymore?

[emncaity]

Haven't been able to play much in the last few years for various reasons, but I do want to play at least 8-10 tourneys this year if I can. Mostly I hit balls rather than play; I'm probably hitting it better than I ever have, but as you know, that's only part of the picture. Hitting balls is a poor substitute for playing. Last couple of times out I've shot a couple under on relatively easy golf courses, but it was pretty sloppy. Lowest handicap I had was a plus-2, then I quit carrying one.

[yashank1]

well good'

me? doing good just little busy with my studies for now(board)

you know what i've got the feel for really bombing my drives long abt 300 yards...

but my problems :

1)tendency to grip it tight naturally on the transiton (dont know why?) even if i'm loose at the start(emotional kinda player)

2)too strong grip 3knuckles maybe 4 but i dont pull much.i feel hitting with my left hand more(lefty)

3)i get cuppy a little longer bs

major problem is the first 1 tho.

some help?

[adambutler65]

What a graceful, effortless, beautiful and classy swing. Tiger might be a better player, but everyone should try to emulate Ernie's swing rather than Tiger's; we'd all lower our handicap!

[rikestard]

emulate tiger and phil's short game, then you'd all lower yer handicap.

[vforusa777]

One of my all time favorite swings

[mgos4012]

how did you get to video tape this swing? it looks as though the course is deserted? where was this?

[golfstore]

I am a Scottish golf professional analysing Ernie's long game on a practice round at Pearl Valley, South Africa December 2007. It was a great experience and learned a few things along the way. Tempo is brilliant!

[golfstore]

Forgot to mention he was aiming far right side fairway and hit a nice big draw down left side of fairway. Distance measured was 297 Metres.

[emncaity]

OK, since you were there, and since you're at that level: Don't you see a difference between this swing and the way he swings the club most of the time since about '05 or '06, up to now? I see him on the range or at a practice round, and he doesn't have that little hitch at the top that he has when he's playing for a meaningful score, esp. when he's in contention. I don't know if you know the American senior player Jay Sigel, but it's like a less extreme version of that.

[yashank1]

if i get loose cautiously i'm not able to control the club it gets flippy

otherwise my game's rockin'

whats wrong with Ernie

dint do well in Hawaii his own golf course design

just playin ordinary rounds

disappoints me!!!!!

when's tiger returning?

not much drama without him

[lana0ti0ekil]

Isnt that the course where you cant go like too far in the rough because of like some sort of animal or like snake? Im probably confused with some other course but w.e

[directorwvp2]

That looks like Ernest Els who plays on the PGA Tour. If it isn't, you sure as heck swing a lot like him. Although I have to say his swing is a wee bit silkier than this one. But very nice none the less. Keep up the good work laddy and maybe one day you'll win your club championship.

[Nickylizzle]

@_@?

[gibsonguitars124]

greatest tempo ever, him and fred couples, its just amazing to watch

[emncaity]

No kidding. If you could just get a chip implanted in your head to see that swing and hear that sound over and over...

[yashank1]

huh?

[emncaity]

You know, chip, like...electronic control device, that could make you do _that_. Man, that sound of true swinging acceleration...mmmm.

[yashank1]

really?

but i think you are in love with his swing.

lol

but he does have some mechanical problem with his swing you know.

[emncaity]

He does now, in almost any competitive situation. It doesn't show up in the swing here, or any of several practice-tee swings I've seen him make. But he really does have a hitch at the top--a slight opening of the angle as he starts down. Most good teachers would see that as a sign that his lower-body action has ceased to be the real first mover in his downswing; instead, it's kind of a simultaneous move, which indicates a whole different relationship between lower body and upper.

[yashank1]

Thats exactly the point.Its somewhat i guess, over the top move>>>>same with me.I usually hook hte ball and i do have a strong grip(promotes hook as you know)so i try to slo down my bs a lil' bit in order to get my hips moving faster and more aggressively in the downswing.I think ernie should also have his hips more active,but no blame as he's getting older now so i dunno.

But you sure do have clear fundas about golf.

i guess you are a really good observer and a good pro teacher too D:))

[emncaity]

Hmm...sounds like you may have a grip that promotes a hook, so you have a body action that's trying to prevent that. Why have them working against each other?

Did used to compete, and I taught as a pro--not that I can't be wrong.

Do you have a swing video up on youtube?

[yashank1]

Naaaa i dont have , but i'll put it up soon.I really want to show you my swing D:))Do you have any?if have any related,i would be so glad.....

Sorry,my english is poor, i didn't understand by what you meant," Why have them working against each other?"

you watched Ben Hogan's swing and you heard that he said that the first move at the top of the swing,is the movement of the lower body and the hands bow..i guess!!!

i dunno i think much,i usually get aggresive with my upper body(shoulders)

[emncaity]

I don't have any swing vids up. But if you'll post one (preferably both face-on and down-the-line, if possible), I'd be glad to give it a look.

By "working each other," I mean that at least by description, you may have a body action that is compensating for a grip that makes you tend to hook the ball excessively; if true, that's a lot of energy and swing forces canceling each other out.

Yeah, overuse of the shoulders at the change of direction is a real kiss of death, IMHO.

[yashank1]

hey where have you gone my friend??????

so how are you and your golf??????

[emncaity]

Sorry...really been crazy around here with work lately. I'm catching up some today. Hitting the ball OK; haven't been able to play in a while, though. Trying to hit it like Ernie in this vid ;-) --esp. with regard to staying on plane. I have this demonic tendency to get too upright, caused by starting to set wrists too soon (first third of backswing), before I'm turned and rotated enough for the club to be on plane. How about you?

[yashank1]

as i am lefty,i have a strong right hand grip(three knuckles showing like Adam's)and a weak left hand grip.I am at times working with my new coach(just started), he's India's top ranked pro teacher and his thoughts and fundamentals are as clear as a crystal.

You have that too D:))

how old are you???

are you in your 20's,30's or 40's.........

[yashank1]

i have the patience for your replies D:))

because i know you would....

so thanks again

[yashank1]

one day i'll beat harrington,goydos,daly,watson.­.........etc

except adam and tiger and ernie because they are the best

[emncaity]

Hey, bro, you never know. On the day you shoot 66, Tiger (or Adam, or Ernie) might shoot 67. Lots of players beat him in every tournament for a day or two, sometimes even for a whole event. Winning more events over the long haul?...well, hell, somebody's got to do it. But first, somebody's got to _intend_ to do it. That's what Tiger did from the first day he got out there.

[yashank1]

very much agreed,you gotta intend to do it first for that you need the will as strong as that of Tiger's....

aren't you good enough to compete with these obese pro's like daly,the big walrus chap and counting .....

these guys are sooo like unfit and have a big load of bs and yet at times they play fine and i actually feel like, hey i can beat them coolly .Lol i gotta play first on asian tour then EPGA and possibly on PGA.(day dreaming......)

[emncaity]

Some people call it a daydream; some people call it a strong vision of what you want to do. And some people go on to do it. ;-)

[emncaity]

Hey, have you seen Ernie playing pretty well at the Open? He's mostly rid of that bounce, but it resurfaced a couple of times. Even Johnny Miller referred to it on his second shot at the par-5 18th--I can't remember the exact words, but it was something about opening the angle on the first move down, often causing a pull (as it did on 18). It's a close relative of over-the-top, bc it's symptomatic of starting the downswing from the top down (in Ernie's case, only a little).

[yashank1]

i don't think he played upto the expectation. But, he was consistenet though.Definitely played some wonderful shots.

Well, i missed much of his game so i didn't hear Miller's comment.

But you are right.He had that, some what over the top move.Some of his shots were really hopeless.

Whats wrong with Tigeer's left knee? He was really in agony during the third round.His recovery and approach shots were simply too great.He birdied the 18th hole twice and now at thhe top of the leaderboard.

[emncaity]

Well, Ernie's partway back, anyhow. His swing looks a little better, and he didn't look as helpless with the putter.

As for Tiger, he had surgery. It's definitely bugging him, but I don't know about the "agony" part...he has quite a flair for the dramatic. I mean, Miller's talking about how he's using the driver as a "cane," when he's walking along putting no weight on it at all--and it's on the _opposite_ side from the hurt knee. But he played a great round on Sat., no doubt.

[yashank1]

Ernie was ok.But it was just Tiger,Rocco and Westwood all the way through.The 18th hole during the fourth round created another dramatic scenario which saw Rocco at 1 under followed by Tiger too at 1 under and Lee at even for the championship.Did you watch it?? Totally thrilling sensational round.Tiger and Lee wanted atleast a birdie to force the playoff.Tiger on the 18th tee,hit his driver into the bunker forcing him to lay the ball up short on his second.

[yashank1]

well what you think is a weird bounce it is of the fact that his upper body slightly straightens up and the other part is that he under went left knee surgery as you know !

[emncaity]

Yeah, it's a slight stand-up (without the head moving much, if any), but the weird thing is the opening of the angle. That's got to cause some inconsistency. I would say it might be related to the surgery, except for the fact that he does it at some times and not at others. In this video (above), it's not there at all, and this was only a few months ago. Still, I guess, it could be caused by the injury, and it might eventually work itself out. I'd sure like to see him back at full speed.

[yashank1]

yeah,and Ernest also said that he has hit very few fairways and thats obvious that though his swing is true there are still some faults in his swing. Hope he does well in the U.S Open!!!

anyways, whats your age & handicap????

I guess you must be from the U.S

[yashank1]

yeah,and Ernest also said that he has hit very few fairways and thats obvious that although his swing is true there are still some faults in his swing.Hope he does well in the U.S Open !!!!!

whats your age & handicap???

i guess you are from the U.S!!

[emncaity]

I hope he does well too. I really miss seeing him in contention.

I am from the U.S.; age is too painful to publish; I was a plus-2 when I was competing, now probably about scratch. How about you?

[yashank1]

yeah me too. ernie is my fav. player though.

I am frm India & i just turned 16.I play about

8 over.

You are pretty good.Right now i just dream of being a scratcher first.

At what level do you compete?

[emncaity]

They don't have formal levels over here, if that's what you mean. I played some national amateur events, etc., but only after getting amateur status back--there's a thing called the "barbecue circuit" in this area where people play in tournaments for cash (or for gift certificates which they then sell), with Calcuttas or day money. Lotsa money changing hands, in other words, but not so legal, and definitely not USGA-kosher. Don't compete much these days, but I'm getting back into it.

[yashank1]

LOL getting back into the barbecue circuit.

just kidding.

yeah, i meant levels tho.

I'm just competing in junior amt. tournaments rite now....

[emncaity]

So does the junior am circuit take you out of the country much, or are there enough events in India to keep you guys busy? I'm under the impression that there are a lot of good players there now.

[yashank1]

yeah, it does but not so often.Yes,we have good caddie-turned-pro's here.Most of them are doing good at the asian tours and also EPGA.Youngsters like me are showing quality game and knacks at it.

[emncaity]

BBQ circuit...yeah, it's a funny name, but there's money to be made, and some ridiculous good players (more 20 years before my involvement than now, probably, but still). They call it that because most of those events have a Sat. night dinner (often a barbecue) that's really, really good--steaks on the grill, that kind of thing.

[yashank1]

oh yes those barbecue chickens and stuffs.

[emncaity]

By the way, good luck to you. What's the tournament scene like for a kid in India? And have you got to meet Jeev M. yet? ;-)

[yashank1]

good luck to you too. We have say formal tournaments here and no illegal tournaments at all.Golf is not well known here among the commoners but it is rapidly changing.Duue to the expenses no one is able to afford it.

LOL you know Jeev. Cool.

Nah... i have never met him. But his home is close to mine's. But he hardly comes here only for vacation.For my vacation i would like to visit some countries but Jeev visits India. LOL.

U.S Open is gonna start within hours now!!!

You will go there??

[emncaity]

It's getting expensive here too, too much so for a lot of average-income people who used to play all the time and now can afford it maybe once a month. I used to have a membership at a small-town course where I lived--$200 a year for all you could play, any day of the week. Almost tour-quality greens. Now it's $25 a round to play even the cheapest places. Everybody wants the high-end fake-private-club experience. Nobody wants to be a real player.

[yashank1]

oh really!!! I think that the course at Torrey is made public and anyone can play the it for $42. Must be the toughest course in all of the States. I also like the TPC sawgrass.thats were the masters is held isn't it?

[emncaity]

Definitely not the toughest course in the U.S.  Pine Valley probably is, or Oakmont when it's groomed to Open specs. Kiawah Island or TPC (where they hold the Players, not the Masters) on a windy day is no picnic, either. The Masters is held at Augusta (Georgia) National.

[yashank1]

oh yes i forgot.Are they public too???

[emncaity]

Augusta National's as private as it gets. If you know a former or current president of the U.S., maybe you can get in. ;-) Easier just to make the tour and win your way in.

And where else were we talking about...? Can't find the post now.

[yashank1]

But he hit it heavy to the rough on the right.Third shot saw him hit a good approach leaving him with a birdie oppurtunity which he amazingly made.Lee was unlucky though.

Rocco watched the whole drama and said, "i knew he would make it, unbelievable!"

[emncaity]

To save a lot on range expenses, I keep a shag bag and go hit 'em in the park or at the schoolyard--anything up to about a 4-iron will fit. I'm just hoping not to get ticketed for the local ordinance. But it's saving a bundle.

Yeah, I've seen Jeev play on TV--really impressive-looking guy. Maybe someday when you're playing for a living, home will be a vacation for you too... ;-)

Surely you guys claim Vijay too, right?

[yashank1]

well Vijay is Indian though. But who claims??

There are a lot of indians in fiji and in america too. but who cares...

in U.S there may be those I.T dudes and in Canada half the population is covered by the indians. Gosh Jesus !!!!!!!

[emncaity]

I just wondered whether Indians from India (as opposed to from Fiji) would watch Vijay win a tournament and go, "That's our guy!", or whatever. But then, it seems that sometimes, people from the States assume more of an ethnic solidarity among people from other countries than is really there--like with Irish and Irish-Americans (my bunch).

[emncaity]

As for the Open...nah, can't do it. I grew up pretty close to there (in L.A., to the north) and had friends who moved to Encinitas, which is really close. Years ago I was at their house on a weekend and we called over to see if we could get on that afternoon at Torrey, but that's as close as I ever came. Gonna be an interesting week with that course, I'm tellin' ya...

[yashank1]

Mediate played well too but recovered from the disaster by giving away the lead at the par 3 16th hole.Westwood too played superb.

He will play with Tiger tomorrow.

[rangeguy12]

Woah his swing has changed since then. His total body movement is different now

[emncaity]

I'm not sure how "total" it is, but he does look different--but this vid says it was in SAfr in late '07, which really confuses me. For about three or four years now, at least, he's had this weird "bounce" move at the top, where it looks like he starts to cast the club out of its angle right as he changes direction, and then holds off from that point on. Jay Sigel used to have a similar move, but more pronounced.

[yashank1]

whats the great deal about that "bounce" well i think thats common huh?

but Ernest also said that he has hit very few fairways and thats obvious that though his swing is true there are still some faults in his swing.

[yashank1]

ernie slightly sways. If you look closely , he has a slight down movement just before starting his swing and while he takes his club back he moves to his initial position . whats that for guys ???????????????

[emncaity]

Liquid. So much in the true swing mode rather than the leverage-and-forceful-hit mode. Like Kostis said back when he was a teacher, the amount of velocity a true swing can produce is shocking compared to the amount of effort that it feels like is going into it.

[srrosa2006]

smoothest swing in golf history!!!!

[anytigerwood]

best swing in the world