Opinion & Analysis
Clark: A teacher’s take on Brandel Chamblee’s comments
Because I’m writing to a knowledgeable audience who follows the game closely, I’m sure the current Brandel Chamblee interview and ensuing controversy needs no introduction, so let’s get right to it.
Brandel Chamblee, a former PGA Tour player, now plays a role as a TV personality. He has built a “brand” around that role. The Golf Channel seems to relish the idea of Brandel as the “loose cannon” of the crew (not unlike Johnny Miller on NBC) saying exactly what he thinks with seeming impunity from his superiors.
I do not know the gentleman personally, but on-air, he seems like an intelligent, articulate golf professional, very much on top of his subject matter, which is mostly the PGA Tour. He was also a very capable player (anyone who played and won on the PGA Tour is/was a great player). But remember, nowadays he is not being judged by what scores he shoots, but by how many viewers/readers his show and his book have (ratings). Bold statements sell, humdrum ones do not.
For example, saying that a teacher’s idiocy was exposed is a bold controversial statement that will sell, but is at best only partly true and entirely craven. If the accuser is not willing to name the accused, he is being unfair and self-serving. However, I think it’s dangerous to throw the baby out with the bathwater here; Brandel is a student of the game and I like a lot of what he says and thinks.
His overriding message in that interview is that golf over the last “30-40 years” has been poorly taught. He says the teachers have been too concerned with aesthetics, not paying enough attention to function. There is some truth in that, but Brandel is painting with a very broad brush here. Many, myself included, eschewed method teaching years ago for just that reason. Method teachers are bound to help some and not others. Maybe the “X swing” one player finds very useful, another cannot use it all.
Brandel was asked specifically about Matthew Wolff’s unique swing: Lifting the left heel, crossing the line at the top, etc. He answered, “of course he can play because that’s how he plays.” The problem would be if someone tried to change that because it “looked odd.” Any teacher worth his weight in salt would not change a swing simply because it looked odd if it was repeating good impact. I learned from the great John Jacobs that it matters not what the swing looks like if it is producing great impact.
Now, if he is objecting exclusively to those method teachers who felt a certain pattern of motions was the one true way to get to solid impact, I agree with him 100 percent. Buy many teach on an individual, ball flight and impact basis and did not generalize a method. So to say “golf instruction over the last 30-40 years” has been this or that is far too broad a description and unfair.
He goes on to say that the “Top Teacher” lists are “ridiculous.” I agree, mostly. While I have been honored by the PGA and a few golf publications as a “top teacher,” I have never understood how or why. NOT ONE person who awarded me those honors ever saw me give one lesson! Nor have they have ever tracked one player I coached. I once had a 19 handicap come to me and two seasons later he won the club championship-championship flight! By that I mean with that student I had great success. But no one knew of that progress who gave me an award.
On the award form, I was asked about the best, or most well-known students I had taught. In the golf journals, a “this-is-the-teacher-who-can-help-you” message is the epitome of misdirection. Writing articles, appearing on TV, giving YouTube video tips, etc. is not the measure of a teacher. On the list of recognized names, I’m sure there are great teachers, but wouldn’t you like to see them teach as opposed to hearing them speak? I’m assuming the “ridiculous” ones Brandel refers to are those teaching a philosophy or theory of movement and trying to get everyone to do just that.
When it comes to his criticism of TrackMan, I disagree. TrackMan does much more than help “dial in yardage.” Video cannot measure impact, true path, face-to-path relationship, centeredness of contact, club speed, ball speed, plane etc. Comparing video with radar is unfair because the two systems serve different functions. And if real help is better ball flight, which of course only results from better impact, then we need both a video of the overall motion and a measure of impact.
Now the specific example he cites of Jordan Spieth’s struggles being something that can be corrected in “two seconds” is hyperbolic at least! Nothing can be corrected that quickly simply because the player has likely fallen into that swing flaw over time, and it will take time to correct it. My take on Jordan’s struggles is a bit different, but he is a GREAT player who will find his way back.
Brandel accuses Cameron McCormick (his teacher) of telling him to change his swing. Do we know that to be true, or did Jordan just fall into a habit and Cameron is not seeing the change? I agree there is a problem; his stats prove that, but before we pick a culprit, let’s get the whole story. Again back to the sensationalism which sells! (Briefly, I believe Jordan’s grip is and has always been a problem but his putter and confidence overcame it. An active body and “quiet” hands is the motion one might expect of a player with a strong grip-for obvious reason…but again just my two teacher cents)
Anyway, “bitch-slapped” got him in hot water for other reasons obviously, and he did apologize over his choice of words, and to be clear he did not condemn the PGA as a whole. But because I have disagreements with his reasoning here does not mean Brandel is not a bright articulate golf professional, I just hope he looks before he leaps the next time, and realizes none of us are always right.
Some of my regular readers will recall I “laid down my pen” a few years ago, but it occurred to me, I would be doing many teachers a disservice if I did not offer these thoughts on this particular topic!
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19th Hole
Vincenzi’s LIV Golf Singapore betting preview: Course specialist ready to thrive once again
After another strong showing in Australia, LIV Golf will head to Sentosa Golf Club in Singapore looking to build off of what was undoubtedly their best event to date.
Sentosa Golf Club sits on the southern tip of Singapore and is one of the most beautiful courses in the world. The course is more than just incredible scenically; it was also rated 55th in Golf Digest’s top-100 courses in 2022-2023 and has been consistently regarded as one of the best courses in Asia. Prior to being part of the LIV rotation, the course hosted the Singapore Open every year since 2005.
Sentosa Golf Club is a par 71 measuring 7,406 yards. The course will require precise ball striking and some length off the tee. It’s possible to go low due to the pristine conditions, but there are also plenty of hazards and difficult spots on the course that can bring double bogey into play in a hurry. The Bermudagrass greens are perfectly manicured, and the course has spent millions on the sub-air system to keep the greens rolling fast. I spoke to Asian Tour player, Travis Smyth, who described the greens as “the best [he’s] ever played.”
Davis Love III, who competed in a Singapore Open in 2019, also gushed over the condition of the golf course.
“I love the greens. They are fabulous,” the 21-time PGA Tour winner said.
Love III also spoke about other aspects of the golf course.
“The greens are great; the fairways are perfect. It is a wonderful course, and it’s tricky off the tee.”
“It’s a long golf course, and you get some long iron shots. It takes somebody hitting it great to hit every green even though they are big.”
As Love III said, the course can be difficult off the tee due to the length of the course and the trouble looming around every corner. It will take a terrific ball striking week to win at Sentosa Golf Club.
In his pre-tournament press conference last season, Phil Mickelson echoed many of the same sentiments.
“To play Sentosa effectively, you’re going to have a lot of shots from 160 to 210, a lot of full 6-, 7-, 8-iron shots, and you need to hit those really well and you need to drive the ball well.”
Golfers who excel from tee to green and can dial in their longer irons will have a massive advantage this week.
Stat Leaders at LIV Golf Adelaide:
Fairways Hit
1.) Louis Oosthuizen
2.) Anirban Lahiri
3.) Jon Rahm
4.) Brendan Steele
5.) Cameron Tringale
Greens in Regulation
1.) Brooks Koepka
2.) Brendan Steele
3.) Dean Burmester
4.) Cameron Tringale
5.) Anirban Lahiri
Birdies Made
1.) Brendan Steele
2.) Dean Burmester
3.) Thomas Pieters
4.) Patrick Reed
5.) Carlos Ortiz
LIV Golf Individual Standings:
1.) Joaquin Niemann
2.) Jon Rahm
3.) Dean Burmester
4.) Louis Oosthuizen
5.) Abraham Ancer
LIV Golf Team Standings:
1.) Crushers
2.) Legion XIII
3.) Torque
4.) Stinger GC
5.) Ripper GC
LIV Golf Singapore Picks
Sergio Garcia +3000 (DraftKings)
Sergio Garcia is no stranger to Sentosa Golf Club. The Spaniard won the Singapore Open in 2018 by five strokes and lost in a playoff at LIV Singapore last year to scorching hot Talor Gooch. Looking at the course setup, it’s no surprise that a player like Sergio has played incredible golf here. He’s long off the tee and is one of the better long iron players in the world when he’s in form. Garcia is also statistically a much better putter on Bermudagrass than he is on other putting surfaces. He’s putt extremely well on Sentosa’s incredibly pure green complexes.
This season, Garcia has two runner-up finishes, both of them being playoff losses. Both El Camaleon and Doral are courses he’s had success at in his career. The Spaniard is a player who plays well at his tracks, and Sentosa is one of them. I believe Sergio will get himself in the mix this week. Hopefully the third time is a charm in Singapore.
Paul Casey +3300 (FanDuel)
Paul Casey is in the midst of one of his best seasons in the five years or so. The results recently have been up and down, but he’s shown that when he’s on a golf course that suits his game, he’s amongst the contenders.
This season, Casey has finishes of T5 (LIV Las Vegas), T2 (LIV Hong Kong), and a 6th at the Singapore Classic on the DP World Tour. At his best, the Englishman is one of the best long iron players in the world, which makes him a strong fit for Sentosa. Despite being in poor form last season, he was able to fire a Sunday 63, which shows he can low here at the course.
It’s been three years since Casey has won a tournament (Omega Dubai Desert Classic in 2021), but he’s been one of the top players on LIV this season and I think he can get it done at some point this season.
Mito Pereira +5000 (Bet365)
Since Mito Pereira’s unfortunate demise at the 2022 PGA Championship, he’s been extremely inconsistent. However, over the past few months, the Chilean has played well on the International Series as well as his most recent LIV start. Mito finished 8th at LIV Adelaide, which was his best LIV finish this season.
Last year, Pereira finished 5th at LIV Singapore, shooting fantastic rounds of 67-66-66. It makes sense why Mito would like Sentosa, as preeminent ball strikers tend to rise to the challenge of the golf course. He’s a great long iron player who is long and straight off the tee.
Mito has some experience playing in Asia and is one of the most talented players on LIV who’s yet to get in the winner’s circle. I have questions about whether or not he can come through once in contention, but if he gets there, I’m happy to roll the dice.
Andy Ogletree +15000 (DraftKings)
Andy Ogletree is a player I expected to have a strong 2024 but struggled early in his first full season on LIV. After failing to crack the top-25 in any LIV event this year, the former U.S. Amateur champion finally figured things out, finished in a tie for 3rd at LIV Adelaide.
Ogletree should be incredible comfortable playing in Singapore. He won the International Series Qatar last year and finished T3 at the International Series Singapore. The 26-year-old was arguably the best player on the Asian Tour in 2023 and has been fantastic in the continent over the past 18 months.
If Ogletree has indeed found form, he looks to be an amazing value at triple-digit odds.
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In Tampa, there is a golf course that boasts carts that do not work, a water range, and a group of players none of which have any chance to break 80. The course is overseen by a staff of crusty men who have succeeded at nothing in life but ending up at the worst-run course in America. However, this place is no failure. With several other local courses going out of business — and boasting outstanding greens — the place is booked full.
While I came for the great greens, I stayed to watch our resident instructor; a poor-tempered, method teacher who caters to the hopeless. At first, it was simply hilarious. However, after months of listening and watching, something clicked. I realized I had a front-row seat to the worst golf instructor in America.
Here are some of my key takeaways.
Method Teacher
It is widely accepted that there are three types of golf instructors: system teachers, non-system teachers, and method teachers. Method teachers prescribe the same antidote for each student based on a preamble which teachers can learn in a couple day certification.
Method teaching allows anyone to be certified. This process caters to the lowest caliber instructor, creating the illusion of competency. This empowers these underqualified instructors with the moniker of “certified” to prey on the innocent and uninformed.
The Cult of Stack and Jilt
The Stack and Tilt website proudly boasts, “A golfer swings his hands inward in the backswing as opposed to straight back to 1) create power, similar to a field goal kicker moving his leg in an arc and 2) to promote a swing that is in-to-out, which produces a draw (and eliminates a slice).”
Now, let me tell you something, there is this law of the universe which says “energy can either be created or destroyed,” so either these guys are defying physics or they have no idea what they are taking about. Further, the idea that the first move of the backswing determines impact is conjecture with a splash of utter fantasy.
These are the pontifications of a method — a set of prescriptions applied to everyone with the hope of some success through the placebo effect. It is one thing for a naive student to believe, for a golf instructor to drink and then dispel this Kool-Aid is malpractice.
Fooled by Randomness
In flipping a coin, or even a March Madness bet, there is a 50-50 chance of success. In golf, especially for new players, results are asymmetric. Simply put: Anything can happen. The problem is that when bad instructors work with high handicappers, each and every shot gets its own diagnosis and prescription. Soon the student is overwhelmed.
Now here’s the sinister thing: The overwhelming information is by design. In this case, the coach is not trying to make you better, they are trying to make you reliant on them for information. A quasi Stockholm syndrome of codependency.
Practice
One of the most important scientists of the 20th century was Ivan Pavlov. As you might recall, he found that animals, including humans, could be conditioned into biological responses. In golf, the idea of practice has made millions of hackers salivate that they are one lesson or practice session from “the secret.”
Sunk Cost
The idea for the worst golf instructor is to create control and dependency so that clients ignore the sunk cost of not getting better. Instead, they are held hostage by the idea that they are one lesson or tip away from unlocking their potential.
Cliches
Cliches have the effect of terminating thoughts. However, they are the weapon of choice for this instructor. Add some hyperbole and students actually get no information. As a result, these players couldn’t play golf. When they did, they had no real scheme. With no idea what they are doing, they would descend into a spiral of no idea what to do, bad results, lower confidence, and running back to the lesson tee from more cliches.
The fact is that poor instruction is about conditioning players to become reliant members of your cult. To take away autonomy. To use practice as a form of control. To sell more golf lessons not by making people better but through the guise that without the teacher, the student can never reach their full potential. All under the umbrella of being “certified” (in a 2-day course!) and a melee of cliches.
This of course is not just happening at my muni but is a systemic problem around the country and around the world, the consequences of which are giving people a great reason to stop playing golf. But hey, at least it’s selling a lot of golf balls…
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The PGA TOUR heads to New Orleans to play the 2023 Zurich Classic of New Orleans. In a welcome change from the usual stroke play, the Zurich Classic is a team event. On Thursday and Saturday, the teams play best ball, and on Friday and Sunday the teams play alternate shot.
TPC Louisiana is a par 72 that measures 7,425 yards. The course features some short par 4s and plenty of water and bunkers, which makes for a lot of exciting risk/reward scenarios for competitors. Pete Dye designed the course in 2004 specifically for the Zurich Classic, although the event didn’t make its debut until 2007 because of Hurricane Katrina.
Coming off of the Masters and a signature event in consecutive weeks, the field this week is a step down, and understandably so. Many of the world’s top players will be using this time to rest after a busy stretch.
However, there are some interesting teams this season with some stars making surprise appearances in the team event. Some notable teams include Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele, Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry, Collin Morikawa and Kurt Kitayama, Will Zalatoris and Sahith Theegala as well as a few Canadian teams, Nick Taylor and Adam Hadwin and Taylor Pendrith and Corey Conners.
Past Winners at TPC Louisiana
- 2023: Riley/Hardy (-30)
- 2022: Cantlay/Schauffele (-29)
- 2021: Leishman/Smith (-20)
- 2019: Palmer/Rahm (-26)
- 2018: Horschel/Piercy (-22)
- 2017: Blixt/Smith (-27)
2024 Zurich Classic of New Orleans Picks
Tom Hoge/Maverick McNealy +2500 (DraftKings)
Tom Hoge is coming off of a solid T18 finish at the RBC Heritage and finished T13 at last year’s Zurich Classic alongside Harris English.
This season, Hoge is having one of his best years on Tour in terms of Strokes Gained: Approach. In his last 24 rounds, the only player to top him on the category is Scottie Scheffler. Hoge has been solid on Pete Dye designs, ranking 28th in the field over his past 36 rounds.
McNealy is also having a solid season. He’s finished T6 at the Waste Management Phoenix Open and T9 at the PLAYERS Championship. He recently started working with world renowned swing coach, Butch Harmon, and its seemingly paid dividends in 2024.
Keith Mitchell/Joel Dahmen +4000 (DraftKings)
Keith Mitchell is having a fantastic season, finishing in the top-20 of five of his past seven starts on Tour. Most recently, Mitchell finished T14 at the Valero Texas Open and gained a whopping 6.0 strokes off the tee. He finished 6th at last year’s Zurich Classic.
Joel Dahmen is having a resurgent year and has been dialed in with his irons. He also has a T11 finish at the PLAYERS Championship at TPC Sawgrass which is another Pete Dye track. With Mitchell’s length and Dahmen’s ability to put it close with his short irons, the Mitchell/Dahmen combination will be dangerous this week.
Taylor Moore/Matt NeSmith +6500 (DraftKings)
Taylor Moore has quickly developed into one of the more consistent players on Tour. He’s finished in the top-20 in three of his past four starts, including a very impressive showing at The Masters, finishing T20. He’s also finished T4 at this event in consecutive seasons alongside Matt NeSmith.
NeSmith isn’t having a great 2024, but has seemed to elevate his game in this format. He finished T26 at Pete Dye’s TPC Sawgrass, which gives the 30-year-old something to build off of. NeSmith is also a great putter on Bermudagrass, which could help elevate Moore’s ball striking prowess.
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Dave Portnoy places monstrous outright bet for the 2024 Masters
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Report: LIV Golf identifies latest star name they hope to sign to breakaway tour
Adam Scott WITB 2024 (May)
Adam Scott what’s in the bag accurate as of the 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson. Driver: TaylorMade Qi10 (10.5 degrees)...
Pierceson Coody WITB 2024 (April)
Driver: TaylorMade Qi 10 (9 degrees) Shaft: Mitsubishi Tensei 1K White 70 TX 3-wood: TaylorMade Qi 10 Tour (15 degrees)...
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Austin Cook what’s in the bag accurate as of the Zurich Classic. More photos from the event here. Driver: Ping...
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19th Hole1 week agoJustin Thomas on the equipment choice of Scottie Scheffler that he thinks is ‘weird’
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19th Hole1 week ago‘Absolutely crazy’ – Major champ lays into Patrick Cantlay over his decision on final hole of RBC Heritage
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19th Hole2 weeks agoTwo star names reportedly blanked Jon Rahm all week at the Masters
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19th Hole2 weeks agoReport: LIV Golf identifies latest star name they hope to sign to breakaway tour
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19th Hole2 weeks agoNeal Shipley presser ends in awkward fashion after reporter claims Tiger handed him note on 8th fairway
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19th Hole2 weeks agoBrandel Chamblee has ‘no doubt’ who started the McIlroy/LIV rumor and why
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Equipment3 weeks agoWhat we know about Bryson DeChambeau’s 3D-printed Avoda irons
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19th Hole5 days agoLET pro gives detailed financial breakdown of first week on tour…and the net result may shock you
Newton Hino
Apr 6, 2020 at 10:39 pm
Like Main stream media(NBC Golf Channel) they strive on sensationalism and outrages notions etc.
Chamblee is no exception, they need controversy and ratings. So this won’t stop no matter how absurd.
Dennis Clark
Apr 6, 2020 at 3:16 pm
Authors note: I just got a call from Mr. Bob Toski complimenting this article. Bob, of course, is one of the legendary players and teachers of the game, and it was very nice of him to call and say thanks. We talked about individual methods, Jordan Spieth’s grip, and a bunch of his tour days. It was a pleasure to hear from him. He’s 93 and doing well! Thx again Mr. Toski.
Dennis Clark
Apr 6, 2020 at 3:10 pm
Author’s note: I
Al Wood
Apr 6, 2020 at 1:20 pm
Ben Hogan was asked many times why he didn’t have a swing coach or teacher, and he said that he couldn’t find anyone who could beat him. He figured it out on his own. I think too many swing thoughts in your head causes bad reps. Play by feel and get up and wing it and you’ll play better for the average golfer.
Dennis Clark
Apr 6, 2020 at 3:02 pm
the answer is in the dirt! he was one of a kind
Evan
Apr 7, 2020 at 5:23 am
Hogan had plenty of lessons and influences in developing his swing-Stan Leonard, Sam Byrd, Henry Picard, Demaret…It was far from a home made swing.
Dennis Clark
Apr 7, 2020 at 9:31 am
Correct, No one is actually “self taught”. That description generally means “no formal lessons”. But nobody had formal lessons back then did they? That’s like “self help books” :). what does that mean? I’m guessing anyone who is good at golf got there with a decent starting point on the grip, and someone showed them that grip. I had no formal training but i know plenty of people showed me things along the way.
Lessonswasteoftimemoney
Apr 6, 2020 at 10:59 am
After wasting years taking lessons(neighbour is a pga pro at top course in the country) I came up with the idea of just asking a good player on the range what I was doing wrong. Pros always want to totally change your swing rather than just tweaking it. Guy on the range said my practice swing was perfect, but with my actual swing I was trying to kill the ball and was getting off balance. Problem solved!! Just swing easy now and shots are amazing. I was surprised that they actually go farther!! Would have been nive ifmy neighbour the pro had noticed that years ago!!!!!
Hoganben
Apr 6, 2020 at 10:47 am
I came up with the best way to help.my swing…instead of wasting more money on lessons from pga pros I just asked guys I saw hitting perfect shots on the range while down in Florida. I had wasted another $125 usd on a another lesson from a PGA pro who used to play on tour and had got nowhere again. My neighbor is a PGA pro at a top course in the country and he has been of no help over 15 years. On day.we.were.playing an d he said I used to play better…I.thought yeah before I moved next door to you! Pros always want to totally change your swing. Anyway one of the guys hitting ball on the range in Florida said my practice swings with my irons were perfect. He said when I took my actual swing I was trying to absolutely kill the ball which was true. So now my actual swing is nice and easy like my practice swing and I see that the ball actually goes farther this way
Freefrompros
Apr 6, 2020 at 10:41 am
I came up with the best way to help.my swing…instead of wasting more money on lessons from pga pros I just asked guys I saw hitting perfect shots on the range while down in Florida. I had wasted another $125 usd on a another lesson from a PGA pro who used to play on tour and had got nowhere again. My neighbor is a PGA pro at a top course in the country and.he has.been of no help over 15 years. On day.we.were.playing an d he said I used.to play better…I.thought yeah before I moved next door to you! Pros always want to totally change your swing. Anyway one of the guys hitting ball on the range in Florida said my practice swings with my irons were perfect. He said when I took my actual swing I was trying to absolutely kill the ball which was true. So now my actual swing is nice and easy like my practice swing and I see that the ball actually goes farther this way
Walter
Apr 6, 2020 at 10:39 am
Dennis, Are you saying Jordan’s grip is too strong or did I misread your intention. I look at his grip and if anything it looks very weak on the left hand and normal on the right hand. If anything seems weird is how long a left thumb he has in his grip.
Dennis Clark
Apr 7, 2020 at 9:35 am
too WEAK in my opinion. His upper body runs ahead of the golf ball starting down, a sign of a weak grip. he’s a VERY talented player though and he will be back. Maybe after a slight GRIP adjustment.
david goodman
Apr 6, 2020 at 10:17 am
I enjoy listening to Brandell, and Johnny Miller was my favourite. For the most part I agree with Chamblee’s article, and I also agree with what Dennis has to say here. I am also a teacher, and only my students could say if I’m good or not. but I have listened to some teachers near my on the range giving instruction and I’ve rolled my eyes. As said, people who paint with a broad brush always get it wrong. A couple of comments here stated that all teachers suck and can’t play, absolutely incorrect. It IS about ball flight as John Jacobs said,(who I spent some time with, and thought he was brilliant). The only area of disagreement I might have with Dennis Clark is the value of trackman to golfers other professionals. But the key is to find the teacher whose language you understand and identify with. Faldo knows golf, but on the surface they’re too technical for me as a student; I’d rather have Penick as a teacher. Again it’s all a question of your own style of understanding.
Evan
Apr 6, 2020 at 7:30 am
Good to see you back writing here Dennis. There are great teachers out there for sure, such as yourself, however there are plenty who aren’t. On balance, however, I think the game has been taught poorly and that undoubtedly is a factor in the game’s decline in popularity.
TacklingDummy
Apr 5, 2020 at 4:34 pm
This is a good take on the situation because Clark looks at the entire picture rather than take offense by one controversial statement. Nowadays, people seem to judge someone on a few statements and don’t look at the 99.9% of statements they made before. However, Chamblee could have made his statement more tactfully and would of delivered his message better.
Raj lp
Apr 5, 2020 at 2:00 pm
I’ve liked Chamblee’s take on most topics. Not to say I always agree with it but he speaks so openly about most topics. It’s a breath of fresh air compared to walking on egg shells. I’ve had lessons from great teachers who have told me something like “keep your foot planted” which have salvaged a season and those that have tweaked the backswing, the impact, and the follow through in a single lesson which have cost me 2 years of misery.
The best teachers will get you to a great impact position regardless of what template suits you.
Dennis Clark
Apr 7, 2020 at 9:41 am
The idea is WHY did he/she say keep your heel planted. If the teacher cannot explain the reason your lifting your heel is affecting IMPACT, then it not germane to the issue. Should jack Nicklaus give back all his majors? Or Snead all his wins? The left heel like so many things is a preference not a principle. Thx for reading
mikeyC
Apr 5, 2020 at 12:54 pm
In golf, more than any other sport, commentators are afraid to be critical of the games stars. Who is the Stephen A. Smith of the Golf world? When did it become a sin to criticize someone in sports for their performance? Brandel is a breath of fresh air for his candor. Plus he does his homework and knows what he’s talking about.
Dennis Clark
Apr 5, 2020 at 4:38 pm
He’s not being critical of the stars; he’s being critical of a trend if golf instruction which he feels has misdirected some stars. Again, too broad a brush. Many of us do not instruct by how “pretty” swings are, but how well they are getting to good solid impact. If a golfers is spinning around three times and falls down when he hits it, BUT HAS GREAT IMPACT CONSISTENTLY, leave that swing ALONE, that is HIS best swing
Chip2win
Apr 5, 2020 at 7:19 am
So, my take from reading this article is that Dennis thinks that Brandel is MOSTLY right.
Scott McDonald
Apr 5, 2020 at 12:02 pm
Agreed and I believe that he has made some great points. Chamber has a right to his opinions impact is impact but you must get the ball in the hole. Never used Trakman and have little interest. Hard to believe that PGA award winners are not visited but many do section programs where info is shared. PGA is on the hot seat now. Don’t talk about growing the game. DO It. Play with members and show them a great time. Get out and be seen in the community..
Dennis Clark
Apr 5, 2020 at 4:47 pm
I made it clear what I agree with and what I don’t. He’s referring to method teaching and a “trend” in something he calls golf instruction. Every teacher should work with students individually, not a use a Method for every one. And he’s not giving Trackman enough credit; it does serve a goof purpose.I really don’t know what Brandel knows about teaching. Can he stand behind someone who’s hitting the ball on the hosel 4 out of 5 times, and correct it? We wouldn’t know because he doesn’t do that, no record to judge.
steve
Apr 4, 2020 at 8:51 pm
Not a fan of Brandel, seems to make bold statements, even if valid, for his profile, ratings, and clicks…I’m even wasting my time now reading and writing about him, I tune him out when he’s on TV.
Mitch
Apr 4, 2020 at 8:25 pm
None of these teachers can play worth a crap themselves , so why listen to them
John
Apr 5, 2020 at 11:39 am
This is so true. I have had contemplated lessons, and have asked instructors if I can see them hit. Many has said “I don’t think so. I don’t really play, I teach now. blah, blah, blah”
I will say, I have had really bad lessons before. I had a really bad grip, and three instructors missed it until I found one who was like, “wait, your set up sucks. You can’t do anything in golf until grip is fixed.”
grip fixed, body lines fixed themselves, and finally progress.
bottom line, there are bad teachers out there that are terrible. They teach one swing, and don’t fix basic issues. I wish I could get a refund.
Dennis Clark
Apr 5, 2020 at 4:53 pm
RUN! A teacher who cannot demonstrate good solid golf shots has no credibility whatsoever. I’m 71, can shoot my age, hit high draws, low cuts etc on command. Not bragging , just saying we owe that to students.
chip75
Apr 5, 2020 at 1:34 pm
Conversely, many of the best players aren’t exactly great teachers either. A lot of television analysis is basically filling dead-air. How many times have you seen Tiger’s swing taken apart, for a myriad of faults when his swing is basically identical to the one they’re comparing it too? Strike is king, but we rarely hear modern commentators say that a player just mishit it.
As to Spieth, who knows? You find over time tried and trusted feelings or swing keys stop working, players can tie themselves in knots looking for answers, but golf is a game where a couple of inches in ball position can make the difference between striping it or hitting it out of bounds. Our bodies are the same lose 10 pounds, gain ten pounds, everything changes.
Brad Worthington
Apr 4, 2020 at 6:58 pm
Dennis,
Well constructed article with sound discussion points. I’m glad you took the time to write it!
Baba Booey
Apr 4, 2020 at 4:22 pm
One thing I’ve learned about this latest Brandel episode is most instructors are snowflakes (and to an extent this author too).
A. Commoner
Apr 4, 2020 at 7:23 pm
Some people can be glad they don’t have to write for a living.
GolfMan
Apr 4, 2020 at 1:42 pm
I agree with Brandel Chamblee’s comments. I believe golf instruction has gotten worse bc teachers aren’t as experienced as they once were. Back in the day, most of the pro golfers were teachers as well. Think Sam Snead. Just bc you have a PGA degree in teaching golf doesn’t mean you will be a good teacher.
Dennis Clark
Apr 5, 2020 at 5:01 pm
By the same token, Snead never spent 8 hours standing behind students watching thousands of swings for years and years. Teaching does take experience which only comes from TEACHING. I had Sam, God rest his his soul, to a club once to do a clinic and the hour was one of the least informative sessions I’ve ever witnessed. Telling golfers what YOU do because you are so accomplished at the game, does very little for them. Thx for reading.
GolfMan
Apr 5, 2020 at 9:06 pm
Perhaps Sam Snead wasn’t the best teacher, but he certainly knew what it took to be a good player. Nevertheless, you can’t be a great teacher by simply teaching methods learned in a book. A great teacher has an understanding of the game beyond what the book says. A great teacher knows the strategy of the game, has played golf at a high level and knows what works under pressure, and through many hours of practice knows what works and what doesn’t. Sure a teacher with little experience could teach someone the proper grip and setup and some fundamentals, but not much beyond that. It’s hard to teach a language when you don’t know the language yourself.
GolfMan
Apr 5, 2020 at 9:35 pm
Perhaps Snead wasn’t the best teacher, but he certainly knew what it took to be a great player. Nevertheless, you can’t be a good teacher by just reading a book. A great teacher has an understanding beyond what the book says. A great teacher knows the strategy of the game, has played golf at a high level and knows what works under pressure, and through countless hours of practice has figured out what works and what doesn’t. Sure, a teacher who relies on methods from a book and has little or no experience playing the game at a high level may teach you a proper grip and setup, but not much beyond that. It’s hard to teach a language when you don’t know the language yourself.
Keith Finley
Apr 6, 2020 at 10:13 am
Anecdote about Snead- when asked how he draws a shot, Sam replied, “I think draw”. Hmmm
ChipNRun
Apr 4, 2020 at 1:34 pm
My history: I have a hot-cold golf swing and – until the last 10 years – moved around USA quite a bit for work. So, I have had golf lessons from quite a few different people.
A good instructor is one who can see his student’s swing problem, and help the student improve. (If a student has a motivation problem – doesn’t like focused practice – the instructor can’t do much.) Some instructors, we just didn’t connect. Others we connected quiet well.
Some instructors had “one way” they thought all golfers should swing – a way that had NOT worked for me in the past. On other occasions, a post-round tip from an 8-HDCPer was immensely helpful.
For an instructor to be “good” requires: 1. flexible knowledge of the game + 2. good interpersonal fit with student + 3. willing of student to practice effectively.
On Jordan Spieth’s swing: When JS’s tee shots start going awry, the PGA broadcast’s slow motion video often shows a torso too quiet on downswing, with the arms taking over and delivering something to the LEEEFT!
JS is a top golfer who has a recurring swing problem that shows up on slo-mo a couple of times a season. Like many top golfers, JS moves in and out of the ZONE on a month-to-month basis.
Too much nit-picking can lead to “paralysis by analysis.” When I have a mid-seasons lump, if I take a week off I can usually get on track in half a bucket of range balls. I just had too much mental clutter to swing smoothly.
Sooner or later, you just have to line up your shot and hit the ball!!!
Joey
Apr 5, 2020 at 1:24 am
Ummm Isn’t Jordan’s miss alway a push fade? Can you clarify what you mean here?
ChipNRun
Apr 6, 2020 at 12:38 pm
At the 2019 AT&T Pro-Am at Pebble Beach missed tee shots way left on the Saturday back nine: No. 13 to another fairway (double bogie) and left into ocean on No. 18.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/golf/2019/11/26/column-shots-that-defined-the-year-in-golf/40710713/
For shots missed right, look to 2017 and back-to-back missed cuts in the Players and the AT&T Byron Nelson. He shot 75s on both Friday rounds, including a 9 on the Par 5 No. 17 at AT&T/Byron: Two tee shots blocked OB right.
But, Spieth did rebound a month later for back-to-back wins at the Travelers and the Open Championship.
To quote the old Jerry Reid song: When you’re hot you’re hot, when you’re not you’re not.
Dennis Clark
Apr 5, 2020 at 5:16 pm
His grip is notoriously weak. If you add a weak a weak grip to a steep transition, you get an OPEN face which you are compelled to turn into the shot and swing left. Also when the grip is weak and the transition is steep, we have to “BACK UP” to get the golf club back on plane and into a hit position. I agree that his transition was flatter, lower earlier in his career, but look at Phil’s transition; it’s likely the steepest of any GREAT player, but he uses his hands brilliantly, not quietly. Those two MATCH, right now Jordan’s two moves DO NOT match. But again, he is a GREAT PLAYER who will find his way back.