For the ages

[Bagger Lance]

Ready for the blasphemy? Ready to re-think this subject?..It's very very rare to find anyone who is PURELY a hitter or swinger. Almost everyone on the Tour is either a Switter or a Hing-er. Some shots call for a true Hit or Swing, but almost all experts have customized their patterns...from Grip Basic right through.
All 4 barrels are being "used" even if they are not being actively used. More on this later..
Respectfully,
Bill McKinney, GSEM

Bill,

First off, welcome to the forum.
I'm sure we can all benefit from your many years of experience in the Machine.

Nothing Blasphemous at all. Now if you said most tour players are either pure hitters or swingers, then a lot of eyebrows would be raised. Since this is the "Hitters" thread, who would you classify as a pure hitter on tour today? Anyone?

Thanks,

Bagger

[Bagger Lance]

Curtis,

Like many here, I can hit or swing, and hitting comes more naturally to me. But currently I take swinging to the course. I'm also a bit of a fitness freak, so I'll try to give my perspective.

Nothing earth shattering really. As we age it's tough to maintain the strength and flexibility we experienced in our younger selves. Swinging or hitting calls on muscles, tendons and reflexes which peak in our 20's, decline slightly in our 30's, and from then on we have to rely on experience while keeping ourselves as fit as possible.

Personally, I believe hitting requires much more muscular involvment than swinging and as a result, may be more impacted by age than swinging. I could go into all the muscle groups and how they are effected, but a bit short on time at the moment. Suffice to say, it's dependent on your physical makeup, and your experience with either procedure, or both. If you can maintain a good level of flexibility as you age, keep your back healthy, and keep your core muscles strong, swinging may have the best long term advantage. If you are not as flexible, but have good overall strength, particularly upper body strength, hitting might be your best bet.

Bagger