Hitting great shots is more than just clushed speed.
Everyone wants to hit the ball further. That’s easy to understand. Length makes it easier to score. But if you’re looking at pure clubhead speed as your indicator for how far – and how well – you’re hitting shots, you’re missing an important part of the story.
I've been lucky enough to have the same great coach since I was 13. That’s when Pete Cowen came to Belgium to run a programme for up-and-coming junior players. Pete told me from the beginning the goal was to have a swing that would hold up under the most stressful situations; one that consistently put pressure on the ball and didn’t require lots of manipulation with the hands. So that’s what we practised.
I spent years learning how to create pressure with my shoulders, and then transmit it through my arms into the club and ball. The work’s been done. Now it’s about getting in contention and coming through the clutch, and I’ve been able to do that a few times.
This idea of pressure is why people love watching Henrik Stenson hit iron shots so much. Henrik learned it from Pete as well, and he compresses the ball better than anybody.
When you do it correctly, you’ll transfer more of the energy you generate with your swing into distance – and accuracy. You’re hitting the ball flush, instead of with a glancing blow.
Esta historia es de la edición October 2017 de Golf Digest South Africa.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición October 2017 de Golf Digest South Africa.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
Xtreme Bob
Tales of the Wild West, Pricey Clubs and Crazy Golf Games: Pxg Founder Bob Parsons Takes Gambles That Will Make You Sweat.
Swinging Goes With His Singing
The Voice SA winner Richard Stirton turns to golf when he needs to escape the demands of the entertainment industry.
Torchbearers
In Rio,These Golfers are playing for more than a Place in History.
Loudly South African
Olympic golfer Paula Reto has only played one tournament in South Africa, but remains proudly patriotic to her land of birth.
All In
After some Fragile Moments Jason Day turns inspiration into obsession.
By The Book
Four equipment-related rules you need to know
The Class Of 97
How Tiger’s 12-stroke Win 20 Years Ago Changed The Masters + Golf
Smash Hit
HOW TO GIVE IT EVERYTHING YOU’VE GOT
Split The Fairway!
GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR DRIVER
Wise Guy
10 secrets to better golf by europe's top coach, pete cowen