Thanks to all for the advice, guys!
When I say "Hoganesque" I mean flat, not good or predictable...
Thanks Greg, I'll try that. I wouldn't mind having a flat swing if I could hit a tee shot straight. I either open the face and push/slice it, or draw/hook it, I spend a lot of time fussing with my grip/clubface position and I can't get consistant.
Funny thing, I was out in the drizzle yesturday at Poolesville GC (almost had the place to myself ..) and I was hitting the ball so bad off the tee on the front nine, I decided to use only my 3W off the long tees on the back. I started hooking/pulling those too. Then the last two long holes I got the feeling that turning my hands over at impact, the flat swing, and my hook might be a function of being too far from the ball. I took the 3W, set up an inch or two closer and forced myself to make a straight back/upright takeaway. It felt horribly awkward, but I busted 2 3W shots 240 yards down the middle of the fairway!
pnearn - If I could get consistant with the flat swing, I'd stick with it, but despite many hours at the range, with careful, analytical practicing, I cannot predict my Driver shots. My 3W off a tee is more predictable, but when I get to the course I hit 2 straight, 2 draws, 2 pulls, 1 push, etc. I've videoed my swing and can't see what is different, even slow. But I do notice the flat swing, inside take away. Lately I'm even feeling "uncomfortable" at address, which could be my being too far from the ball. Part of my problem with the flatter swing plane is I think I've been using it to counter my tendency to come across the ball. On video I see my flat one piece take away, then my hips start, and my hands follow the rotation, staying with my torso, instead of staying inside, and so when my hands come to impact, they are on a slight Out-In path.
Bill, funny you should mention Hogan's closed stance... I found myself pulling the ball with my fairway
irons during the round (coming across it a bit), and so I tried an 8 iron with a closed stance, dropping my right foot back a few inches. I hit the straightest iron of the day! Of course then I got stubborn and went back to trying to fix my swing path on the next shots, and pulled the shots 10-15 yards left, which I do 60-70% of the time.
I notice that until recently, Arnold Palmer used to have a very closed stance with his driver. He always drew the ball, and I think I remember his swing was rather flat too... Interesting.
I'm not sure which way to go... There is so much theory out there about swings. Some say you should go with your natural swing and learn how to direct it. Others say you need to create the "proper" mechanics.
I am a serious, but recreational golfer (about a 13 handicap currently), but am passionate about it and will do what needs to be done to get accurate in my shots (within my limited budget). Do I try to create a more upright swing, and work it until it gets to be comfortable? Or, move closer to the ball, accept my swing is flat and drop my right foot back a few inches, and try to control my natural swing?
