Here's a photo of Larry Nelson from the January 1980 issue of Golf Digest and an article honoring his selection as Most Improved Player of the Year.
As we all now know, golf's "quiet man" went on to win two PGAs, the United States Open Championship, a total of 10 PGA TOUR events and 19 Champions TOUR tournaments. He also became the most feared Ryder Cupper of his generation, a member of three winning teams, going undefeated in his first two outings and finishing with a stellar 9-3-1 record. One of the game's great ballstrikers, Larry uses the Homer Kelley-recommended Head Pivot Center.
Here's a look at Adam Scott, one of today's Young Guns of the PGA TOUR. His Head Pivot Center is evident throughout his Stroke. Adam currently ranks 16th in the PGA TOUR's coveted Greens in Regulation statistic. And he ranks 13th in Driving Distance, averaging 300.9 yards off the tee. Those who feel that the Centered Head may gain them accuracy but will cost them distance need look no further than this Greens-hitting, Australian powerhouse.
[The commentary superimposed on the photos is from Golf Digest and is not relevant to this post.]
I had the great privilege of spending a week with Homer Kelley at his home in Seattle in January 1982. Larry Nelson was just beginning to make his mark on the PGA TOUR, and Homer had seen him on TV. I asked him what he thought about Larry's swing:
"His alignments are perfect. His swing will last him his lifetime."
As Larry's career unfolded, we have seen Homer's vision become reality. Here's the "senior" Larry at the Top. Still swinging away...still Centered...and an entire career without hip or back injuries.
One way to facilitate being Centered at Impact and with the Left Shoulder properly located (in relation to the Ball) is to begin that way. Here's how Larry Nelson goes about it. Take a look at his 'set' in Photo 1A (as he relates to the athletic posture of the baseball infielder). Can the Head get more Centered (between the Feet) than this? Has he maintained that Centered Head in his actual Address (Photo 1)? If it can get any better, using Homer Kelley's words, "I'll buy the beer."
Also, though this thread is focused on the Pivot and its Center, note Larry's Power Package alignments. The Arms are in a natual, unforced condition, with the Right Elbow bent nicely. Also, notice his Hands. Both Wrists are Level, and this positions the Hands (Photo 2) in a relatively 'high' position. However, they are not Uncocked, which would put the Left Arm and Clubshaft In Line (from a down-the-line view), obviously something that Homer Kelley did not recommend (unless the player uses that technique to intentionally 'zero-out' the #3 Accumulator).
Larry Nelson Downstroke Sequence -- Maintaining the Centered Head
Finally, let's take a look at Larry Nelson's world-class Action in the Downstroke. Note especially the Start Down. The Head remains Centered...there is no exaggerated "Sit and Tilt" action moving the Head down and to the rear.
There is a slight Bob as Larry moves from his more erect Address position into his Impact alignments, but the Head remains Centered. The Right Shoulder has turned directly toward the Ball (Down Plane and On Plane) as it rotates perfectly in its own Centered Arc. As a consequence, the Left Shoulder is properly higher than at Address. This action creates additional Right Elbow Bend (versus Address) and allows his Hands to move into the perfect Impact Location, well in front of the Ball, even in this Driver sequence. The Wrist alignments are textbook.
Importantly, there is no "hitting up" on the Ball as is so often advised today. The Club has traveled Down-and-Out to its Low Point(1-L-#13), just as it should have. Results? In his prime, Larry was one of the straightest drivers on TOUR and well above average in length.
At the Finish, he allows his Head to move naturally to the left as he completes his Stroke with his Back straight and his Body in perfect Balance. This is a 'no injury' action, and as Homer Kelley predicted, it has served Larry well his entire career.
Hybrid Mode
