Yes, you can still learn from the Masters

By. John K. Abendroth, PGA

With appreciation to Original Joe's of Westlake and putterkey.com.

We hear so much about modern golf instructors with modern players. My opinion we can learn some very important tips and information from golf instructors from many years ago. I can recall playing the PGA Tour in the 1970's, there were hardly any instructors on the range...we all helped each other.

Harvey Penick was a Texas based instructor known most for working with Tom Kite and Ben Crenshaw. On page 96 of his "Little Red Book" he describes "The Magic Move."

He felt a huge difference between good and not so good golfers was "The Magic Move," to start the down swing let your weight shift to your lefft foot while bringing your right elbow back down to your body. This should be a patient motion and not a quick move, like gravity doing the work.

Another fabulous book is "Swing The Clubhead" by Ernest Jones. Written in about 1917. His swing ideas can be seen in Ernie Els, Fred Couples and many great LPGA players.

Light grip pressure is a key element that allows the club to swing, not being manipulated by the hands. "The poorest players are the ones who try to do the most" as Jones would say.

Many good players tend to swing at about 75% power for many of you as average players that is a good number, will help with balance and grip pressure.

When you understand "The Magic Move" and keep the hand with light grip, the club will have a consistent motion that will product effortless power.

My opinion is either or both of these theories can be incorporated into your swing, no matter how you were taught.

So often under pressure a golfer will adopt a tight grip which can cause a pull to the left or a slice. With light grip pressure the club will stay down the target line and very likely give you more straight shots.

So...two simple ideas that have been around for years, "The Magic Move," and "Swing The Clubhead."

Hope this helps your game.