Tiger's Instructor

[Jim.Cook]

The latest Golf World came last night. One of the featured articles was about Tiger's new instructor, Hank Hanley.

Could some one give me a run down on who he is, his thoughts on instruction and such? The article seemed to indicate that he is very very busy with instruction, a school in Texas and other ventures. Maybe I read something into the article but it seemed that he might be too busy to dedicate full time to Tiger.

They mentioned his lack of grandstanding, I found that refreshing and interesting.

[JohnThomas1]

Haney is very much a John Jacobs disciple. Quite simple instruction, and very ball based. He is very big on swing planes and paths according to shot results. He was very instrumental with O'Meara, that's how Tiger hooked up with him they say. He actually studied under Jacobs and Jim Hardy. Here's a recent quote about him while he was with tiger at a range

"Indeed, the lessons begin once the ball is in the air. From there, Haney works backward to impact and swing plane, helping a player to visually understand how he makes a shot. To Haney, the feedback is simple: Whether the ball goes high or low, left or right, trajectory offers the most valuable clues. "

"When it's all said and done, you're back to the same fundamentals," Haney says. "It just changes the order you work on them."

[brianmanzella]

The article in USA Today, actually made me [sick].

[stimpson]

The article in USA Today, actually made me [sick].

This one?
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/golf/...ey-woods_x.htm

Just give it a glimpse. I do not want you to go sick again

[redan]

Tiger has more talent and knowledge and experience of golf at the very highest levels of play than anyone except a Nicklaus or Hogan. The reason Tiger has such suspect instructors is a little complicated:

1) the instructor has to be connected with whatever Instruction magazine Tiger is connected to.
2) the instructor serves the same purpose as a pony or mule in the same stall with a great race horse; to calm him down.
3) Tiger, though highly intelligent, is not totally aware of what are the illusions and what are the facts/laws, etc. of golf. He uses the illusions better than anyone except maybe Johnny Miller
4)Whereas a Sandy Lyle or a Ralph Guldhal might be totally overwhelmed by the prattling half truths and shallow mendacities of a "famous" instructor-- Tiger is virtually immune to that poison.
5) Tiger is wired in such a way that the cliches and banalities of golfspeak don't have a bad effect.

[Trig]

Originally Posted by brianmanzella

The article in USA Today, actually made me [sick].

This one?
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/golf/...ey-woods_x.htm

Just give it a glimpse. I do not want you to go sick again

I didn't really get anything out of the article except that Tiger and Hank seem to have a good thing going. It's impossible to tell what they are working on. Perhaps it's just a pair of eyes for Tiger and he likes the guy personally.

[birdie_man]

I didn't really get anything out of the article except that Tiger and Hank seem to have a good thing going. It's impossible to tell what they are working on. Perhaps it's just a pair of eyes for Tiger and he likes the guy personally.

Ya man you have to figure that by now Tiger knows a thing or two about the golf swing. C'mon now. How hard can it be for him to know what he needs to do. Hank prolly just keeps everything in check and looks at video, gives him drills, support, etc. Can't be that hard working with the #1 player in the world, really...

[jim_0068]

I've said it before and i'll say it again, the whole reason Tiger changed his swing is to get rid of the stuck or block. He feels he can do it better by having the shaft at the top be very close to the shaft angle at address.

Whether he figured it out, or had Haney do it, I don't know.

[birdie_man]

I've said it before and i'll say it again, the whole reason Tiger changed his swing is to get rid of the stuck or block. He feels he can do it better by having the shaft at the top be very close to the shaft angle at address.

Whether he figured it out, or had Haney do it, I don't know.

Wait...are you saying he is laying it off? I'm not sure i understand.
What is that bugger doing anyway...does anyone actually have a handle on it?
Doesn't look like it's THAT different. Maybe a bit flatter...

[jim_0068]

All i'm saying is what Tiger says...which he is trying to get the SHAFT at the top of his backswing to "look" like the SHAFT at address.

He feels if he does this, it is easier for him to transition into the ball without getting stuck.