This is a question I've had for a while, as I've heard it said that the imperitives are all that matter and the essentials are somehow less important.
One interesting thing I found in the dictionary is that essential is a synonym for imperative. I have to assume that Homer knew this and intentionally and carefully selected two words that mean the same thing.
So is one less important than the other or do they just deal with different things (physics vs. geometry perhaps)?
Good question and one of those that continually comes up over the years. Certainly another area of the book that should be alot more clear and not promote confusion among the reader in regards to the differences between the two.
He certainly meant that the Imperatives are more important than the Essentials. Here is a direct quote from Homer Kelley in regards to this section of the book and referring to essentials and imperatives. I have bolded in black the section where his voice has added "life" or importance if you will - where he get's excited or feels like he's really making an important comment. I put in red - my own side comment regarding his discussion.
Starting off in 2-0 referring to Essentials he says "It's farther down the line than the imperatives - the flat left wrist and the clubhead lag and a straight plane line. See you can move your head, you can wobble a little and your rhythm can be off and you can still play a pretty good game of golf. If you bend your left wrist and you don't have a lag pressure point and a straight plane line- you can't - nothing in the book makes sense- It won't work- This is I think the reason behind that (why those are imperatives and more important than the essentials), with these three things- If you don't do those three things, The book will only confuse- the farther you go the more confused you get because nothing works."
One final clarification in regards to the above- when he says "you can't"- It seems clear to me - but to be conservative I have to say that it is my intepretation- he doesn't say it like "If you bend your left wrist and don't have a lag pressure point and a straight plane line- you can't.... play good golf. No- it's more like he starts to say "you can't"- pauses- doesn't want to finish the sentence in whatever way he was headed- erases the you can't - backs up and replaces it with "nothing in the book makes sense". So in typing it - if you were a transcriptionist and knew what he wanted to say you would type it as "If you bend your left wrist, and don't have a lag pressure point and a straight plane line- nothing in the book makes sense- It won't......."
Building a "strong, powerful, repeating golf swing" is like building a custom home. It starts with a sturdy, level foundation and floor (steady head). You'll also need strong, plumb walls (balance}, and a roof with good pitch (rhythm). The imperatives are the siding, roofing, windows and doors. You must have them, but you can choose them (components). Add some beautiful landscaping (extensor action) for curb appeal and you'll end a golfing machine.
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A mile from the place that golf calls home
Building a "strong, powerful, repeating golf swing" is like building a custom home. It starts with a sturdy, level foundation and floor (steady head). You'll also need strong, plumb walls (balance}, and a roof with good pitch (rhythm). The imperatives are the siding, roofing, windows and doors. You must have them, but you can choose them (components). Add some beautiful landscaping (extensor action) for curb appeal and you'll end a golfing machine.
Interesting analogy, Rick. This is sort of how I've always viewed those 6 items. I've always seen the essentials as the 3 key things needed, at least to some degree, to make the athletic motion required to efficiently hit a golf ball with a club. The imperatives, in my view, are the elements that introduce precision to that motion.
It makes sense to me that the imperatives are more important, as those are the three things that control the three parts of the golf club.
So the essentials are a "must" for those who already comply with the three imperatives, play a "pretty good game of golf", and want to make thier games even more precise?
Are there other concepts or components that Homer considered more important than the essentials?
That makes a lot of sense Mike. Thanks for the quote and your interpretation!
Matt
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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)
[quote=bambam] So the essentials are a "must" for those who already comply with the three imperatives, play a "pretty good game of golf", and want to make their games even more precise?
QUOTE]
No- You missed something in the understanding. If you have the three imperatives - you're done- meaning the masterpiece is complete!
Holla Back! If you need more info.
P.S. Bucket told me you get a gold watch at 400 posts-is that true?
A gold (leaf) Rolex with a second hand that stops on every second.
I see Ted already picked up his watch. Mike, I've shipped yours to your local Walmart. You'll find it stored in a "safe" at the front of the store. Be sure to bring a quarter, as you'll need to insert it into the machine and twist the dial before it'll give you you're watch.
I've already shipped some rub-on spiderman tatoos and plastic jewelry to Atlanta in preparation for Ted's 700th post
Seriously, thanks for all of your contributions here, Mike!
Hybrid Mode
