[Yoda]

While at the Honda Classic in Palm Beach Gardens last Wednesday with Brian Gay, I had the privilege of spending quite a bit of time with Andy Plummer, one of the emerging teaching talents of the game and a long-time member of this site. He and his partner, Mike Bennett, are making their mark on the PGA TOUR, just as their students are making their marks in the record books.

One of the many things we agree on is that even the greatest talents are helped by a coaching team that supports their mission and is readily accessible.

Do the coaches swing the golf club?

Of course not.

Do they matter? Some say "yes." Others say "no."

My take?

If the answer is 'no' all 'round -- if coaches are just 'friction' in the system -- then there is a lot of money and time being spent on the PGA TOUR for nothing.