Remember, TGM does not mandate a fixed Pivot Center. However. if you forgo its advantage, you will, in the words of Homer Kelley, "have to pay the price." For those who would utilize a Pivot Center, all that is required is that "some point on the body be kept stationary throughout the Stroke to limit the motion." He gave us specifically two options: the Head (including its Pivot-on-the-neck capability per 1-L #2) and the point-between-the-shoulders. He recommended the Head Center but in no way mandated it (2-H). So, pick whichever Center you want, and then...
Keep it as still as your own humanity and golfing skill allows.
Thanks Yoda. I think that washes away many misconceptions of you disliking the base of the neck Pivot Center (or "point-between-the-shoulders" as you put it).
I have one more question. Does that mean if a student comes to you without the concept of a Pivot Center, you will arbitarily teach him the Head Pivot Center since it's recommended by Homer? Or could you teach him to use a base of the neck Pivot Center depending on his current motion.
Thanks Yoda. I think that washes away many misconceptions of you disliking the base of the neck Pivot Center (or "point-between-the-shoulders" as you put it).
I have one more question. Does that mean if a student comes to you without the concept of a Pivot Center, you will arbitarily teach him the Head Pivot Center since it's recommended by Homer? Or could you teach him to use a base of the neck Pivot Center depending on his current motion.
On Full Stokes, I just ask people to do their best to keep their Head "steady." And I don't mention that if the student is doing a reasonably good job already. I never mention the "point-between-the-shoulders." No bias here...I just see no need. The student will do what is natural for him or her, and whatever that is, I usually just accept it. Seriously.
And unless the student is hanging the Head well to the right in the Stance, I leave its overall position alone. To help the student become familiar with a proper Head position, I will sometimes put him into an Impact Fix to show where the Head will be at Impact. I then recommend that it should stay as close to possible to that location.
On Short Strokes, I insist on a centered Head. There is no time to be shifting about, and with the Head centered, the Left Shoulder (and hence, Low Point) will be where it needs to be for a good Hands-in-front Impact. Most students hang their Head too far back behind the Ball in the Short Strokes, and usually wind up scuffing the Ball as a result. A Centered Head and the Flat Left Wrist techniques always works its magic here.
Interestingly, with TOUR players or with good amateurs who genuinely want to improve, I can be -- and often am -- more demanding. But only with video support and only after a crystal-clear discussion of what is happening in the current motion and why. Only then will I initate a discussion aimed at establishing and maintaining a Head location different from the one they are accustomed to using.
As an example, the weekend of the British Open, Brian Gay and I worked real hard on first understanding, and then implementing, a more Stationary Head. This is a major change for anybody, particularly someone with habits as ingrained as those of a money-making PGA TOUR competitor.
Results?
Brian had a solid tournament the following week in Milwaukee and then tied for 15th (in a starting field of 156) at the next week's Buick Championship. So, at the very least, and in at least some cases, I can say that such an approach doesn't mess people up!
Hybrid Mode
