Here's the situation:

For a few months now, every time I'm at the range or on the course, I hear, "Nice swing." or "Wow! You've got a great swing." My husband was amused but a little miffed that I was getting that all the time and no one was saying it about his. Well, Saturday we went to a pro shop in Mukilteo (Tom Wells Golf, if ever you're in the area. The guy is hilarious, knows his stuff and is pretty cool.) to get his driver reshafted. While waiting for the specs and final pricing and stuff he decides to hit a few balls on the LM. It was accurate -- no squirrly numbers, as I recently read can happen in topic posted here not to long ago. His flight path was outside-in (he casts and knows it), clubhead speed about 90-95mph, with his top speed about 100. He carrys about 210-220. He sorta figure out why -- that's the reason for the shaft change. He needs to be stiff, instead of regular. Anyway, I digress.

So I get on the monitor because I want to get my numbers. I get up and take my normal swing. The guy is watching me and says, "You have a nice swing." My husband grumbles a bit. The LM shows my stats: swing path inside-out, clubhead speed 80mph, carry 185. This is normal for me. No surprises. The guy tells me to go for broke (he doesn't touch the LM the whole time we're there). So I swing out of my socks. Holy cow! My swing speed jumped to 87mph! With carry of 226! The highest I got on the machine was a 92mph swing with a 246 carry. So now the guy is just raving about my swing: how nice it looks and how much power I have. He starts giving me different clubs to swing with. Different shafts and heads. My husbands gets silent and doesn't really speak on the way home. Finally he says he knows why men compliment me on my swing:

It's because I'm a woman and normally women don't swing as fast as I do. He says men are not used to seeing that much power on a woman who plays recreationally. Especially one only playing in her second season. He claims he takes for granted how strong I am because he knows how athletic I am and strong. He claims most women my age (36) are either just getting into the game and don't have the swing mechanics down yet or they not competitive enough about the sport to really care. He says the reason he doesn't get the compliments is because he's a man, he's strong, and is supposed to swing fast. Hence, he's the average male golfer. No biggie, right?

So I want to know if you believe that also. I think it's just because I'm competitive, played sports my whole life (tennis & volleyball), have my pride, and don't want to look like a fool when I'm out on the course. That may be the result of having 5 brothers who taught me a thing or two about strength , among other things. If you don't have an opinion that's cool too. I just thought it was interesting, that's all.

Sounds pretty accurate to me. I certainly hope he isn't moping over it! He should be ecstactic that his wife can smack the tar out of a golf ball! I know I would be. I'm also guessing that these people are complimenting you on more than your swing speed. There's many other facets of the swing that account for, "a nice swing" and you must be executing them well. Good job!

Thanks, Placebo. I actually work pretty hard on my swing mechanics. I'm at the range almost every day. I recenty got a swing coach and she helped with with some small things that were causing me to slice.

Each of us has varying degrees of athletic talent. We can somewhat improve on that through practice but there's a limit. I'd think that Fred Funk would love to add a few yards to his drive but his genetics limit him. Guys if you want to be humbled try hitting a softball from some of the girls on the collegiate teams. Make sure your husband knows that even though you may be a bit more athletic than he is that he has fantastic taste in women I'd love it if my wife played and if she kicked my butt... so what. I've known a few ladies over the years that have had to give me stokes and we played from the same set of tees.

Only edge I Seem to have was I could hit longer bunker shots and could hit out of deep rough better. That may just be a pure strength issue.

His explanation seems quite logical. However, since you added the references to him getting miffed and grumbling, his explanation is simple a well constructed point to cover up his real feelings which are some anger, jealousy, frustration, and maybe even a little competitveness. Nothing wrong with feeling that way, but he would be much better off acknowledging that's the case, move on, and focus on the real objects of the game which have nothing to do with power - have fun and score well.

I've been thru that as well...hubby gets the job done with his swing, but nobody would define it as "textbook". I think someone hit the nail on the head when saying that not that many women are really proficient at golf, so when guys see a woman with a nice, athletic swing, it is a rareity and they enjoy it.

I've noticed something similar with me. I'm an average height guy at 5'8", but I can hit the ball over 300 yards. People don't think that someone of my height that doesn't look like a weight-lifter could hit the ball like I do. I think you're husband is right in that people are taken with unsuspected results.

You should build up a 4 man (& women) best ball scramble! Your team would surely kick major butt!!! Especially if you were to hit from the women's tee! Then with your husband on the same team, the competitive nature would be channeled into more of comradery! Then if your team really kicks butt, then I bet that he wouldn't mumble one bit!

Anyways, congrats of a great swing!

Ken

I think you nailed it... keep up the good work... being at the range every day and having a swing coach - that's serious stuff... I'm envious!

I find most guys that haven't played with me, or most of my female golf buddies, assume we can't really play - until we hit our first tee shots. And when my buds that have single digit handicaps start to talk about betting, the guys get really quiet. HA!

Ken_In_CA - I'm on a mission to get everyone to stop saying 'women's (or ladies') tees' - calling them the forward tees or simply by their color is the better way to discuss them.

Deb.

That's the idea. I usually play a benefit scramble for the AHA in September; I'll sign us both up so we can be on the same team and he'll welcome my ball-crushing!

You know, folks notice your "nice swing" because of your form, not your power or speed. Frankly, my speed is 87 with a iron when I'm laying off the ball and swinging slow for me. I suspect my release is timed such that I get some speed at impact, rather than wasting energy with speed early in the downswing.

DO THIS: Swing your club upside down, with the clubhead just above your hands. It should sound faster late in the swing. The "swoosh" sound should NOT be louder in the initial downswing. The initial downswing is where your control lies.

So, you simply have a nice swing. I know so many ladies with "nice swings" who are not swinging fast or with startling power. I say "nice swing". Their swing planes are in line, their bodies are timed well, they rotate their hips, etc. Even their heads are positioned well throughout the swing.

I suspect from your post that your attitude might be tweaking your husband a bit. Maybe he's jealous, but maybe you tweak him a bit as well?

Why not hit the golf shops by yourself and work on the launch monitors without him and his bruised ego lurking behing you? You'll accomplish more, unless part of what you want is to rub your perceived greatness in his face?

Its your score and your attitude that counts.

Frankly, its a modern world, and I"m sick of Old School women thinking they have to play like girls. Play with some of the younger high school girls, and you'll find none of that. They swing hard, and play aggressive golf with attitude. The don't give a damn what the "boys" think.

If your husband is holding you back, then expand your playing field and play in a women's or men's league. Play some tournaments - NO ONE will say "nice swing", simply because everyone has a nice swing. Nice shot or nice birdie is more appropriate.

Ever watch Michelle Wie?

Hehehe, I knew I was going to get razzed for that one, but had a brain fart and couldn't remember what to call it! But at least it's infront of the senior tees...ahem.... "Gold" tees

Ken

While I appreciate your opinion, I take offence to your comment of me "tweaking my husband" and "rubbing my perceived greatness in his face". We don't have that kind of relationshipe where we need to needle or trash talk each other. We may be competitive on the course, but it's during match play. Not words or actions to demean or ridicule each other. This is a gentleman/woman's game, after all. My husband brought up the issue because he was intrigued and yes, he was a bit jealous that I get the responses that I do. He thought about it and came up with a very plausible explaination. I stated that I know that I'm not the next Michelle Wie (to use your example), but am athletic and semi-anal when it comes to golf. If you'd read my post without a jaded eye, you might have understood that. I was merely getting asking other men if they concur.

Secondly, I do play regularly with women -- every Tuesday to be exact -- and have played in Tournaments. And yes, I do get "nice birdie" and "nice shot". Regulary.

drama...

...coming from a woman; and I thought I was safe on the golf forums

I think the same reason why your husband got jealous of others' comments is the same reason why you're taking offense at some of the above comments. Y'all are too sensitive!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Simply put, your husband is just jealous. He's thinking, "those guys aren't just commenting on her swing, they're looking at her a$$ while's she's swinging." It's a jealousy issue. Notice how your husband doesn't get jealous if female personnel operates a LM or observes your swing and says, "nice swing". He just wouldn't care.

And btw, I think you yourself like the occasional attention you'd get from male golfers. You think when I see Michelle Wie swing, I'm looking at her swing? HA HA.

Why is it when a woman takes offence to an issue, it's drama. When a man takes offence to something, it's debate.

My husband couldn't care less if a man's looking at my a$$. It's big enough, you couldn't miss it.

RULE OF THUMB: If you're pretty but have a terrible swing, guys will come over and help you fix it. If you're pretty and with a good swing, they'll be pitching a tent in no time. If you're ugly with a great swing, fo get it. they won't even look in your direction.
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Y don't u stick that thumb where the sun don't shine and stop being so freakin' superficial. RULE OF THUMB: Don't talk about a rule like every guy is like that. Next time say in your opinion, but don't make it out that all guys are like that. SPEAK FOR YOURSELF!

Hang on Pitchmaster, he never said ALL guys. It was a general comment which I thought was reasonably accurate and pretty funny. I'm doubt he meant any offence, and if any was taken, then I'm with him when he says 'lighten up'

But back to the original post GolfBeauty, I think the first few posts were right on the money. And if your husband was upset about it at all, I'll guess that lasted all of 15 minutes and he'll have forgotten about it.

Maybe we all should lighten up and have a bit more fun across the board, not just on here or when playing...

"maybe we get a little competitive in match play" along with your overreaction to an internet post answers my questions quite clearly. You're tweaking your husband, and you enjoy it. Keep it up, and you're marriage is on the rocks. His feelings about it by "bringing it up first" make it quite clear. If the guy had any self-confidence, he'd not give a damn. Perhaps you should buy him lessons for his birthday? Or better yet, he should take lessons w/o telling you if he really wants to improve.

My wife is now kicking my a** in 10K and half marathons, and we don't "get a little competitive" during races. I use her as a pacer as long as I can hang on, and I find her to still be the best pacer in the pack for my eyes. I'm her best fan, and I email her results to everyone I know. I am proud of her accomplishments, and I hope she'll whoop me even more.

Get over the 1980's "battle of the sexes" attitude. Its boring and thank GOD women under 33 don't get sucked into it. If you're good, you're good. If others can't handle it, better yet. It makes them look like boors as well.

I was hoping Wie was going to make the U.S. Open. Imagine shooting those scores with ALL the press following you day and night. Do you think Wie is worried about 17 year old boy's swing speeds? Yup, she didn't qualify, but she tried the old school way - she entered a qualifying event. Sure, she has the best teachers in the world, but she doesn't look in the rear view mirror, and she wastes no time "being offended" by internet posters.

YOU solicited comments. Be a woman, and take your medicine. What did you expect?

Wow. I guess every marriage that has a little friendly competition is headed for divorce court. Watch out Andre, Stephi, Tiger and Elin.

Seriously, you need to lighten up.



You hit the nail on the head, Damo. I didn't figure there would be a guy on here worried about my husband's emotional state to have to spell that out. Oh well. What's done is done. Thanks everyone for your input.

Next marriage issue??? Dr. Golfmar is in the house.

Jeez, what comedy...such a simple issue. No wonder the divorce courts have logjams.

I applaud you for keeping your cool Golf Beauty.