Clampett IMO big thrust regarding the Aiming Point, is to get you to STOP focus on hitting the ball.
Remember the Aiming Point is where you drive the hands too. The hands lead the clubhead. The four inches IMO is where the Low Point of the golf stroke is or should be for max compression and this was done by testing.
From the top of the golf stroke the hands are directed in a straight line to the aiming point. Now this actual Aiming Point can change based on the golfers swing speed and length of golf club used. Though it may seem that Clampett has said 4 inches, this is where the low point is, the Aiming Point may actually differ and thus the reason for the Bunker Drills.
TGM in 6-E-2 states you have to experiment to find your Aiming Point.
TGM doesn't define a Low Point per-se, in TGM states you don't have to take a divot. Clampett also pointed out that divot depth varies by individual, but the deepest point in the Divot, the Low Point, should be 4 inches in front of the ball. Interesting that his ball position places the ball back just about 4 inches from what TGM defines as the Low Point (Left Shoulder/Primary Lever).
Noticed that he never wrote about the right forearm? Also, there is a picture of his setup and he is not even close to having his forearm on plane. Does Doyle not teach this?
I have struggled with this right forearm on plane at set up. If the right forearm is on plane at Impact/Fix Impact, then you move to adjust address, will it still be on the same visual plane? I think not.
Clampett has done wonders IMO to cut through a lot of the Fog, eliminate the 'style' factors and define (some will say copied or redefined) the Essentials, that is what he refers to the Dynamics. He doesn't attempt to even start giving a dot to dot description. The alignments and motions of the Dynamics are pretty much universal for any swing motion. The concepts of Pivot, Building Lag, Storing Lag, Delivering Lag break the golf stroke down in such a fashion that a golfer should be able to apply and he provides simple drills that don't require any fancy expensive high tech junk. The only thing he didn't use was a dowel.
Also I believe, at least for me it takes a number of readings to get all of what is in it. He doesn't use the term to trace the plane, but he does define the golf clubs relationship/alignment throughout the golf motion to the plane line (which he refers to as target line) for example.
He in less than 100 words has explained how the feet, knees and hips function including the effects to the rotational and lateral motion of the pivot.
Yeah, after 2 plus readings and pages of notes, I really find this to be a good INSTRUCTIONAL golf book, I can't say that for the other 400 plus books in my collection, there are few that are my favorites but this one is at front of the pack.
Yeah, after 2 plus readings and pages of notes, I really find this to be a good INSTRUCTIONAL golf book, I can't say that for the other 400 plus books in my collection, there are few that are my favorites but this one is at front of the pack.
Which are your favorites?
By the way, do you have a shelf full of videos too?
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"In my experience, if you stay with the essentials you WILL build a repeatable swing undoubtedly. If you can master the Imperatives you have a champion" (Vikram).
The reason you can't sustain the lag is because you are so eager to make the club move fast (a reaction to the intent of "hitting it far"). So on a full shot you throw it away too early, which doesn't happen for your short chip. (bts)
By the way, do you have a shelf full of videos too?
Well I have a shelf full of videos as well and almost all of them are collecting dust as well.
Ben Doyle's video is probably my most watched video. Realizing it was intended to teach the 24 component per-se it did wonders for me when studying for TGM authorization. I liked his approach, chip, pitch and punch. It tracks with 12-5 theme. Clampett I think has taken this to a new level with his approach. Putt, Chip, Pitch and Full Stroke. Marry that with his description of the dynamics and the drills, I would think any golf instructor has the sound basis to teach new golfers or re-engineer a golf swing.
I have a lot of vid clips from the internet. Probably my most watch one has been Jeff Hull, for a pseudo informal vid, the info in it just packed. The complimentary one with Ted Fort is just as good, it really depends upon if you are a swinger or hitter. Follow that up with the Martee Makeover Vids I have and that gives one a great start and insight to the golf swing.
Other clips, such as Yoda demoing the impact bag, the dowels, etc. are preiceless, they convey concepts and provide great visual images IMO.
As for books I have a personal book shelf that sits next to my reading chair. It has the following:
My List not in order of significance but by category
Golf Swing Instruction
- The LAWs of the Golf Swing by Adams, Tomasi, Suttie (Unfortunately not an easy book to read, it take a lot effort but once mastered the golfer is on his/her way to a golf stroke for a life time)
- The Golfing Machine by Homer Kelley (This book IMO should be limited to instructors, it is not like any other golf instruction book that has been written and it is NOT a HOW TO BOOK).
- Power Golf for Women by Jane Horn (Golf instruction for women, key point and focus is that women rely on Technique vs a male athletic qualities)
- How I went from 28 to Scratch in One Year Playing Once A Week at the age of 70 by John Youngblood (A structure practice/playing routine that relies on your knowledge of the golf stroke to some extent)
- The Impact Zone by Bobby Clampett (Have only read it once but this is a keeper. This is IMO an excellent book for Golf Instructors and Golfers)
Golf Mental Instruction
- The Easy Way to Lower Your Golf Score by Allan D. Starr (This may be the quickest way to lower your handicap)
- Golf How Good Do Want To Be? by Bill Kroen, Phd (I don't subscribe to the swing instruction, but another book that can definitely lower your score if read and appied)
- Every Shot Must Have a Purpose by Pia Nilsson & Lynn Marriott (Think Box / Play Box and drills, IT SHOULD BE MUST FOR ALL GOLFERS who want to play good golf)
- Golf In The Kingdom by Michael Murphy (How to fully appreaciate your love of the game while playing)
- I Found the Golf God by Dori O'Rourke (Easy to read, filled with key information on mind over matter)
Coffee Table Golf Books
None on the shelf, they are on the coffee table, nightstand, etc. There are many books on the history, golf course design, etc. that are always worth a read. Heck after all if its about Golf, it is worth at least a read.
Sentimental Hold Over’s
- Ben Hogan's Five Lessons The Modern Fundamentals of Golf (Probably a hold over but I have more writing in it that it has text) #1 thought - Any golfer is capable of breaking 80.
- Gary Player's Positive Golf (haven't read it in 10 years or longer)
As to a 'How To Golf Swing Instruction' book, IMO there is not one that is for every golfer that is easy to read, understand and apply. The closest are the one's I have listed, but it is difficult. The Impact Zone may in fact come close, but I have only read it and not studied it.
Just received my copy of The Impact Zone by Bobby Clampett and Andy Brumer. I'm just now getting into it, but it is nice to see the name of Chuck Evans in the Acknowledgements.
Just received my copy of The Impact Zone by Bobby Clampett and Andy Brumer. I'm just now getting into it, but it is nice to see the name of Chuck Evans in the Acknowledgements.
If anyone hasn't listened to the podcast of the "radio" show on Chucks site with Bobby Clampett you should. Two quality people, oh and they know a little bout golf as well.
Hybrid Mode
