Yoda of the Nord
 

I had the great good fortune of working with Yoda in Canada in late May with a few other Canucks (OB and others). I may be an old cripple that will never have a good looking swing – but I work hard (sometimes until I get a bit dizzy and need a sit down) and usually get results except where distance is concerned. I’ve accepted my limitations. If I try to generate a lot of speed I get to ride in a fast ambulance.

Yoda asked me to work on 3 things – and I’m getting to the point where they are 99% built into my game. The best part is that I understand why Yoda wanted me to make the changes (thanks for that Oh Green One). I’m back to playing golf the way I like – hitting the variety of shots that bring the most joy and looking less like an old farmer with a scythe. And the handicap is back to 10 – not bad for an old cripple. Although Yoda spotted the natural swinger in me, I still get a kick out of hitting. If flexible swing - if strong hit – if neither do whichever you want.

Thank you so much. It was a blast!!! I hope Mrs. Yoda enjoyed our humble Canadian hospitality.

Glad to hear that your playing really well Kirk, although Im not surprised. I've had the same experience since our get together with Lynn.

What were the three things Yoda recommended?

Ob

My 3 Pills
 

Well James, I'm kinda reluctant to say as they are very specific to my physical problems and I wouldn't want others taking my prescription without Dr. Yoda's OK. So readers be warned.

Zone 1 - Pivot - Yoda wanted me to set up with slightly more pressure on my left foot than my right to eliminate head movement (swaying) that those with physical restrictions tend to develop. Essential #1 - Until you see the amount of head movement you have - you just don't know.

Right forearm take-away more up than around. While compensating for a shattered left shoulder joint, I had tried to keep my hands on the club shaft plane resulting in a very flat swing – flatter than Allen Doyle. Yoda wanted me to try to get to the turned shoulder plane 10-13-0 and it’s the one that I have a bit of a problem with from time to time as my flexibility changes drastically day to day. Now there are fewer hooks and pushes.

Throw out action – get my karate chop going to control the timing of the club face closing and maybe generate a bit more speed. Feeling the lag in PP #3 was never a problem so roll down that plane line.

Thanks for sharing and glad to hear its working for you.

"Right forearm take-away more up than around" is a great note. Reminds me of the McDonald drills.

How goes your battle
 

So OB - any report from the rest of the group on the experience and progress? How goes your lagging take away experiment?

I have heard great reports from the others. John has been booming his drives and his putting is much improved. Me, I had one of my best scores in a couple of years a 66.

As for the lagging takeaway I go back and forth on it. When I get too wooden with my hitting action I adopt a more rope like left wrist to add some more swinger like lag and drag. A lagging takeaway and some float loading while still using the Right Arm Throw. I love the Melhourne drill for motion and freedom of movement.... the arms swinging freely from the shoulders. McDonald exercises to separate the directions and motions of the pivot and arms. When that stops working I go back to starting in Fix with the bending right elbow moving the Primary Lever.

Updated information.

The Judge is back in town after being up North for a bit. During the course of normal conversation (well sort of normal) he offered this without my asking.

"Hey Im down from a 12.5 to a 9"

My reply: "Bullsquat..........How, Why?"

"No seriously, its all because of that lesson with Lynn Blake".

Not bad for a guy with a fuzed back that took the game up later in life.

Season Done
 

Hey OB:

Just a note as to how the season ended. They've covered the greens out here and it is snowing - again. I got in 9 after work on Wednesday - 1 bird - 1 boge and 7 pars. I managed to win the 9 to 11 index flight in our club championship and bested my index by enough to take low net for the event. I warned them not to take a picture of my radio face but they tried anyways. The men's division was the only picture not to appear in the paper - like I said - I warned em. The guys in my flight out drove me by 40 to 50 yards but I was down the middle - on and in rather than playing sideways. Short and straight CAN beat long and crooked. Thanks again Yoda!

How did your season wind up?

My best year ever. Two majors. Well majors for me anyways. But it aint over yet here in sunny southern ontario. Not for another week or two or tbd.

Way to go Kirk. You have done what Bobby Lock tried to do but couldnt. Survive a car, train collision to win a golf tournament. You're amazing dude. Please send the pictures to us all here so we can bask in your glory.

You're beautiful and you know it.

Congrats
 

Wow - Glad that you had a great season. Extremely jealous that you still have some season left. I might still get to play a bit but with the greens covered - I'll have to aim for the bunkers. I'm in them enough under normal circumstances so I shouldn't have any problems getting in them on purpose.