new GolfWorld- The Golfing Machine

[Bobaloo]

Assuming the spine is anchored at the top, e.g., with a Stationary Head, then it will remain vertical only if there is Zero Hip/Weight Shift. Otherwise, the lower spine moves (tilts) in the direction of the Shift.

Attempting to produce such a tilt -- in either direction -- without a Hip/Weight Shift can only produce a Sway (4th Snare / 3-F-7-D) and, if the Waist Bend or Knee Bend -- Left or Right or both -- is exaggerated, potentially a Bob (3rd Snare / 3-F-7-C). With the proper Clubhead Orbit thus disrupted, there must be a compensation, ideally one that returns the Head to its original position.

It is this 'Sway/Bob and Compensate' action that forms the basis of the Plummer-Bennett model as defined and demonstrated in Golf Digest, June 2007, The New Tour Swing. http://www.golfdigest.com/instructio...tacktilt8.html

As discussed and illustrated on page 130, the head and left shoulder tilt down toward the ball in the backstroke, the "spine tilts toward the target" and the left foot is loaded. [There is no mention of just where this move puts the all-important right shoulder.] Then, in the downstroke, the player "launches off the left foot" in a "standing stretch" to produce a "springing action through the ball." The downstroke image used is one of crushing a soda can under the left foot to thrust the hips upward through impact (page 123).

So, according to the Golf Digest article, the Plummer-Bennett dictum is to "tilt to your left on the backswing and stand up through impact" (page 130). Well, having tilted to the left, I agree that it is important that the player stand up through impact. But, these extreme moves are totally unnecessary if the player simply executes a correct Pivot (7-12 and 10-12-A) with its centered Head, Free Turn with Weight Shifts and On Plane Right Shoulder (10-13-D).

Interestingly, I do not see these extremes in the unposed Aaron Baddeley Driver Stroke Sequence on the title page. Also, his perfectly-centered address position on page 120 (compare to Bennett's address in the 'stack and tilt setup'). Therefore, it is always possible that the article's demonstrations and descriptions are exaggerations intended as a 'means to an end' and not the intended end itself. For example, Bennett's obviously forward-of-middle head position at address, the top and in the start down. Also, Plummer's 'tilt and stretch' Master Moves. Then again, if that were the case, the "New Tour Swing" would not be so "radical" after all.

If teachers want to teach the 'Tilt left, load-up the left foot and push off' model, that's fine by me. And if players want to use it, that's cool, too. However, readers should be advised that it does not reflect the ideal of an Uncompensated Stroke as defined in The Golfing Machine, and any representation to the contrary is inaccurate.

Look, Look, Look, Its there you just have to Look.