Verizon Heritage / PGA TOUR / April 16-19, 2009

[JerryG]

While watching Brian Gay trounce the other tour players into utter submission while standing on their necks, I found listening to the commentators like listening to the out of town experts that that don't understand what is actually happening inside the culture. Those misinformed talking heads need a copy of Alignment Golf so they can not only educate their hands, but educate their brains as well.

[KAPLOWD]

Not one mention of "The Magic of the Right Forearm" and how it's on plane at address, even with the putter.

[efnef]

Not one mention of "The Magic of the Right Forearm" and how it's on plane at address, even with the putter.

Here ya go: http://www.pgatour.com/2009/tourlife...04/21/blog421/

[KAPLOWD]

Thanks efnef. Wonderful article. Glad to read that they gave credit to Yoda.

[dcg1952]

Here ya go: http://www.pgatour.com/2009/tourlife...04/21/blog421/

Thanks efnef -- really nice article

[O.B.Left]

Well............nice comments for sure, but the swing advice leaves a lot to be desired.

Head needs to be back, turn shoulders more etc etc. Hah. Where is Luke and his cannon.......his real cannon not his stopping at Top, Centered Head cannon like driver.

[golfgnome]

There are so many things that I wish to convey in this post that I don't know how to begin. In fact I have started, deleted, and re-written so many items that I simply can't seem to put into words how I feel about this enormous achievement of a player and coach.

As a player I gained so much by following Brian's historic victory. To win a tour event is an amazing achievement, but to win by 10 shots is freaky. In most weeks you can count 20-30 players within 10 shots of the leader, but last week there were but a few. I was so happy to hear Brian talk about maintaining the process and only focusing on procedures. I truly believe he did not know what his lead was and was only focusing on and trusting those alignments he has practiced so often. His bad shots were good and his good shots were great. His pace on the greens was amazing and the roll of his putts (as evidence from the line on his ball) was spectacular. I rarely watch golf on t.v. unless Tiger is on because I rarely see anything spectacular. Brian's victory was truly "Awe Inspiring" and a great motivator to us all.

As a teacher and student of the game I can't be more proud of Lynn. Ever since I met him a few years ago he has been the single voice of logic in this very inconsistent world of golf instruction. He has never wavered in his teachings or his praise of Homer Kelly. He has consistently drilled the imperatives to the average player and tour pro alike and I have witnessed his successes many times. I think his message, like Homer's, is that the simplicity of the mechanics can be found in the details. Do the important things (the imperatives) well and the rest is up to you.

Lynn has been an important part of my development as a player, teacher, and person. As many of you already know, he is very giving of his time and knowledge and simply wants to deliver Homer's message of making this difficult game more understandable. He truly wants all players to improve at whatever level they play.

Many people in the golf world measure "greatness" by how many tour pros a teacher works with. Others measure it on the greatness of one or two particular players. I personally look at a teacher's ability to make any player better.

Congratulations to Lynn on succeeding at this very core of golf instruction and congratulations to Brian for a dream fulfilled and the validation of a very successful career. I look forward to many more victories from both student and teacher in the coming years and I am honored to know you both.

Jeff

[asleep]

Gay's swing coach Lynn Blake -- ironically, like Brian -- could be one of the more overlooked swing coaches in the game. Over the years, I have had the great opportunity to work with Lynn, and like his student, Lynn is one of the best at what he does.

http://www.pgatour.com/2009/tourlife...04/21/blog421/

[Patrick O'Hara]

Golfgnome:
What a great post. I agree whole heartily that what Brian did borders on the phenomenal. To win at that level is awesome but to win by 10 on a course like Harbor Town is truly unheard of. Congrats to Brian, Kip, Lynn and all who were involved. I hear the golf world rumbling all the way out in Vegas!!!

Pat

[Yoda]

There are so many things that I wish to convey in this post that I don't know how to begin. In fact I have started, deleted, and re-written so many items that I simply can't seem to put into words how I feel about this enormous achievement of a player and coach.

As a player I gained so much by following Brian's historic victory. To win a tour event is an amazing achievement, but to win by 10 shots is freaky. In most weeks you can count 20-30 players within 10 shots of the leader, but last week there were but a few. I was so happy to hear Brian talk about maintaining the process and only focusing on procedures. I truly believe he did not know what his lead was and was only focusing on and trusting those alignments he has practiced so often. His bad shots were good and his good shots were great. His pace on the greens was amazing and the roll of his putts (as evidence from the line on his ball) was spectacular. I rarely watch golf on t.v. unless Tiger is on because I rarely see anything spectacular. Brian's victory was truly "Awe Inspiring" and a great motivator to us all.

As a teacher and student of the game I can't be more proud of Lynn. Ever since I met him a few years ago he has been the single voice of logic in this very inconsistent world of golf instruction. He has never wavered in his teachings or his praise of Homer Kelly. He has consistently drilled the imperatives to the average player and tour pro alike and I have witnessed his successes many times. I think his message, like Homer's, is that the simplicity of the mechanics can be found in the details. Do the important things (the imperatives) well and the rest is up to you.

Lynn has been an important part of my development as a player, teacher, and person. As many of you already know, he is very giving of his time and knowledge and simply wants to deliver Homer's message of making this difficult game more understandable. He truly wants all players to improve at whatever level they play.

Many people in the golf world measure "greatness" by how many tour pros a teacher works with. Others measure it on the greatness of one or two particular players. I personally look at a teacher's ability to make any player better.

Congratulations to Lynn on succeeding at this very core of golf instruction and congratulations to Brian for a dream fulfilled and the validation of a very successful career. I look forward to many more victories from both student and teacher in the coming years and I am honored to know you both.

Jeff

Thanks for this wonderful post, Jeff. It means a lot to me.

We've been together with Brian hittin' balls and talkin' golf at his home club, Golden Bear Club at Keene's Pointe, and also when you both played the AT&T Classic last year in Atlanta. Here's a photo from Brian's 10th that clearly shows the spirit of that relationship. Oh, and our designated driver, Ted Fort (that's fruit juice in his cup), has had his share of 'Brian time' as well. Thanks to you both for your friendship and all you do for LBG.